Luxor:
A security official in Egypt says a mob of angry Islamists has burned shops owned by Coptic Christians near the ancient city of Luxor hours before a trial for a Coptic Christian accused of blasphemy.
The official says the attack early Monday saw Islamists throw gasoline bombs at the shops in the village of el-Mahameed near Luxor. The official says authorities are investigating the attack.
The attack came hours before the start of a trial in Luxor for Kerolos Ghattas, a young Coptic Christian charged with contempt to Islam over a series of alleged Internet postings.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to journalists.
Christians make up about 10 percent of Egypt's population.
The official says the attack early Monday saw Islamists throw gasoline bombs at the shops in the village of el-Mahameed near Luxor. The official says authorities are investigating the attack.
The attack came hours before the start of a trial in Luxor for Kerolos Ghattas, a young Coptic Christian charged with contempt to Islam over a series of alleged Internet postings.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to journalists.
Christians make up about 10 percent of Egypt's population.
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