Alleged ringleader of violence against Copts in Minya is arrested
The main suspect accused of burning churches in the southern village of Delga, Minya, following the violent dispersal of two pro-Brotherhood camps in August last year has been arrested, state-owned EgyNews reported on Monday.
Farid Shawky Mohamed Moussa, 30, has been accused of planning violence against churches in the village.
The area witnessed a wave of violence against its mostly-Coptic residents following the sit-in dispersals in Rabea and Nahda, which many blamed on the Muslim Brotherhood.
Prosecutor General Hesham Barakat previously ordered the detention of 72 defendants for committing violent terrorist acts in Delga, pending investigations.
The accused face charges of resisting arrest, illegal possession and the manufacturing of firearms, incitement to murder and terrorism, thuggery, belonging to a group which aims to combat the authorities and citizens with weapons, as well as the destruction of public and private property.
Since former President Mohamed Morsi was forced out of power, individuals believed to belong to hardline Islamist groups have violently targeted Delga’s Christian residents, attacking their homes and churches in addition to state institutions.
Also on Monday, Giza Criminal Court adjourned the trial of 15 leaders of the ousted Muslim Brotherhood group to June 9, the state-owned Middle East News Agency reported.
The defendants face charges of participating in and inciting violence during clashes in Al-Bahr al-Azam Street following the nationwide June 30 protests that ultimately led to the ouster of former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi.
The defendants include the Brotherhood’s Supreme Guide Mohamed Badie, Mohamed al-Beltagy, Essam al-Erian, Azzab Mostafa, Bassem Ouda, Essam Abdel Magid and Islamist preacher Safwat Hegazy.
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