Doubts are being expressed by Egyptian Christians about the impartiality of the Egyptian court system after only two of ninety-six defendants were convicted on February 27 in a retrial for the killing of twenty-one Christians during three days of violent rioting that started on New Years Eve 1999 in El-Kosheh, Egypt. Thirty-three others were wounded and dozens of homes and businesses destroyed as Muslims from El-Kosheh and neighbouring communities went on a rampage started by a dispute between a Muslim trader and a Christian shop owner.
In the original trial, ninety-six people were on trial; thirty-eight for murder. When the original verdict came on February 5, 2001, four people were convicted of weapons charges only. The prosecution appealed the verdicts, which led to this retrial in which only two men were convicted; both of murder and assault. One received fifteen years in prison, while the other received three and a half years.
Many observing the trial are concerned about the very light sentences given for murder and the message it could send about the seriousness of killing Christians. Glenn Penner, spokesman for The Voice of the Martyrs commented, "This ruling is, of course, very disappointing and demoralizing for the church in El-Kosheh and for all who seek justice. The lives of so many were shattered in January 2000 and this ruling will do nothing to heal the wounds that still remain. Nor will it provide assurance that such attacks will not happen again. The events in El-Kosheh have provided ample evidence over the last few years that Christians cannot count on having the same level of protection by the police or in the courts that Muslim citizens have. We want to assure our sisters and brothers in El-Kosheh of our continued support and prayers. We have not forgotten them."
Pray that authorities will maintain safety and peace, in spite of this ruling. Pray for the families of those who lost loved ones, as they have been denied justice yet again. Pray that they would put their trust in God who will judge righteously. Pray for church leaders in the region, that they would be wise and provide godly guidance to those impacted by this ruling.
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