The Egyptian Movement Against Religious Discrimination on Wednesday said Egyptian police have canceled a festival promoting tolerance between Muslims and Christians in areas that have witnessed a recent rise in sectarian tension.
The movement, a liberal organization opposed to Christian discrimination, said the 'Egypt for the Egyptians' festival was to be held on Friday at Cairo's al-Azhar Park but was canceled without justification.
"The festival aims to strengthen the principles of coexistence and citizenry through art and culture," said movement coordinator Mohamed Mounir Megahed.
Relations between Muslims and Christians have intensified lately in the wake of accusations by Islamic groups that the wife of a priest, Kamilia Shehata, sought conversion to Islam but was detained by church authorities. The church and government have both denied the allegations.
Moreover, the Coptic Church dismissed charges by an Islamic thinker that Egyptian churches are weapons and ammunition caches. The statement sparked a wave of anger in Christian circles.
An Egyptian court is currently hearing a trial of three Muslims accused of killing six Christians and a Muslim guard during the celebration of Coptic Christmas last January in an Upper Egypt church.
It is believed Copts comprise between seven and nine percent of Egypt's 80 million strong population.
Egypt has recently closed down 15 religious satellite channels because, according to government officials, they broadcast anti-Christian content.
