A number of Islamist MPs have refused to stand up to honor the Patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church, who died on Saturday.
At least two MPs remained seated during Monday's special tribute to Pope Shenouda in the Egyptian Parliament, while several others left the chamber ahead of the ceremony.
The Salafi Ansar al-Sunnah al-Muhammadiyah website said it was dangerous to congratulate Christians during their festivals or religious rites, and quoted several parts of the Quran which condemn non-believers.
Two Salafist MPs can be shown sitting during the ceremony, while others left the parliament ahead of the memorial. (Photo: Facebook)
Wagdi Ghoneim, a Salafist cleric who has referred to Coptic Christians as "crusaders," cursed the dead Pope.
In response human rights activists called on the Attorney General to prosecute Ghoneim for undermining national unity and endangering peace and security.
The events are the latest conflict between Salafis, who became the second-largest party in Parliament after last year's parliamentary elections, and Coptic Christians, who make up about 10 percent of the countries 80 million people.
23 people were killed on 1 January 2011 when a suicide bomber targeted a Coptic church in Alexandria.
(Al-Akhbar)
At least two MPs remained seated during Monday's special tribute to Pope Shenouda in the Egyptian Parliament, while several others left the chamber ahead of the ceremony.
The Salafi Ansar al-Sunnah al-Muhammadiyah website said it was dangerous to congratulate Christians during their festivals or religious rites, and quoted several parts of the Quran which condemn non-believers.
Two Salafist MPs can be shown sitting during the ceremony, while others left the parliament ahead of the memorial. (Photo: Facebook)
Wagdi Ghoneim, a Salafist cleric who has referred to Coptic Christians as "crusaders," cursed the dead Pope.
In response human rights activists called on the Attorney General to prosecute Ghoneim for undermining national unity and endangering peace and security.
The events are the latest conflict between Salafis, who became the second-largest party in Parliament after last year's parliamentary elections, and Coptic Christians, who make up about 10 percent of the countries 80 million people.
23 people were killed on 1 January 2011 when a suicide bomber targeted a Coptic church in Alexandria.
(Al-Akhbar)
Uprooted Palestinian 
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