How the Egyptian State is Complicit in Attacks on the Coptic Community

Against the backdrop of ISIS attacks on Coptic churches, the Egyptian state has shown little interest in protecting the Coptic community, at times playing direct role in violence against it.

by Mariam Elba

Last week’s attacks on Coptic Christian churches in Tanta and Alexandria, Egypt were the deadliest acts of violence against the Coptic community in the country’s modern history. ISIS in the Sinai claimed responsibility for the incidents.

The emergence of extremist groups, operating away from Egypt’s urban centers, certainly plays a substant…