LUXOR, Egypt (AP) — A senior security official says a missing Muslim woman suspected of conversion to Christianity has been found. Her disappearance set off rioting in southern Egypt.
Muslims stormed a church in Kom Ombo, charging that the woman was being held there.
Major General Hassan Abdul-Hay, security chief of Aswan, told reporters late Saturday that “family and social reasons,” not religion, were behind her disappearance, and she had not converted. He gave no other details.
Hundreds of Muslims threw firebombs and rocks Thursday night at the church, injuring 11 policemen and 12 Christians.
Clashes between Coptic Christians and Muslims usually are sparked by rumors of conversion, Muslim-Christian love affairs and construction of churches.
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Coptic Christians make up about 10 percent of Egypt’s population. They have long complained of state discrimination.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
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