Security authorities in Sohag Governorate, Upper Egypt, increased their presence in the village of Mudamer, Tama Township, on Monday, following clashes between Muslims and Christians in the village.
A security source who requested anonymity told Al-Masry Al-Youm on Monday that the clashes broke out after a Copt by the name of Anwar Shenouda bought a house in the village and converted it to a place for prayer and church services, in preparation converting it into a church without a permit.
The source went on to say that a large number of Muslim boys and youths gathered in the village on Monday, and that skirmishes erupted between them and local Copts. The source added that security authorities stepped up their presence in the village and prevented clashes between the two sides.
Investigations revealed that no permits had been issued for the establishment of a church in the village, said the source.
The house’s owner has been issued with a violation notice by the local authorities and has been ordered to stop holding Christian services in the house.
Translated from the Arabic Edition
