Security is heightened ahead of Minya victims’ memorial

CAIRO – 3 July 2017: Assistant Interior Minister in Beheira Ali Abu Zaid paid several surprise visits on Monday to a number of churches and other places of worship along with police checkpoints in the northern governorate to ensure robust security plans are firmly in place.

Over the past two days, a number of assistant interior ministers across Egypt’s governorates are following suit in an effort to enforce an enhanced nationwide security plan against any possible terror acts.

During his conversations with policemen stationed in the checkpoints, Abu Zaid urged vigilance and stressed the necessity of responding properly to any kind of security threat in line with human rights standards.

In commemoration of the victims of the Minya bus shooting, which occurred in late May, local churches are preparing to hold memorial prayers to mark the passage of 40 days since their deaths.

On May 26, an armed group opened fire on a bus carrying more than 50 Christians in the Upper Egypt governorate of Minya, killing 29 and injuring many others, including children.