Egypt: Coptic Church bombing suspects released

Cairo, 11 April (AKI) – Twenty people arrested on suspicion of taking part in the deadly New Year’s bombing of a Coptic Church in the port city of Alexandria have been freed from prison, according to Egyptian newspaper Al-Dustur.

The release of the suspects was ordered by general Mohammed Hussein Tantawi, part of the military council that took power in February after nationwide anti-government protests ousted president Hosni Mubarak after around 30 years in power, the report said.

Twenty-four people were killed and around 100 injured during the bombing that sparked rioting and protests and drew international condemnation.

Coptic Christians account for about 10 percent of Egypt’s population.

At least one of those freed claim to be have been detained to silence his criticism of the the state.

Ibrahim Ibata says he was arrested because he claimed his friend was killed by police during an interrogation.

Some of the suspects have called a press conference for Thursday during which they are expected to describe their alleged torture in prison.

3 Replies to “Egypt: Coptic Church bombing suspects released”

  1. I didn’t expect the Egyptians to arrest the real criminals, they are using this as an excuse to crack down on the people they dislike.

  2. Ho-hum news here, folks.

    Did anyone really think that the Egyptian military, now the de facto government of Egypt, would ever prosecute these brigands and vandals?

    Lets face it, being anything other than the “right stripe” of Muslim anywhere within the Muslim world means being on your guard against pillage, rape and murder.

    Why should we be surprised at this turn of events?

    What I am not very surprised about is the non-reaction by the so-called leaders of the “free world” regarding these on-going atrocities. One leader in particular comes to mind. His name rhymes with “Oh, mama”.

  3. The left has been attacking Christianity for so long the silence doesn’t surprise me, there speaking out and condemning the attacks and the release would surprise me.