It's no secret that Christians living in Egypt are facing increased dangers. While it's nothing new for these believers to experience attacks at the hands of Islamists (we've extensively documented these infractions), Mohammed Morsi's ouster is opening the door to increased -- and deadly -- tensions. Evidence of this can clearly be seen in some of the most recent horrors, including the alleged decapitation of an Egyptian merchant.
Magdy Habashi, 60, was a Christian, which may have been the main reason he was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday from the town of Sheikh Zweid. It wasn't until Thursday that his body was discovered; Habashi is said to have been decapitated and found inside of a cemetery, officials told the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.
In this Wednesday, July 10, 2013 photo, supporters of ousted Egypt's President Mohammed Morsi, perform an evening prayer known as 'Tarawih' during the Islamic month of Ramadan, in Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt. (AP)
He is at least the second Christian killed in northern Sinai in the past week. Coptic Christian priest Mina Abboud Sharobeen was gunned down by suspected militants last Saturday as he walked in an outdoor market. And as the Associated Press and TheBlaze reported yesterday, the anti-Christian sentiment has been widespread. Here's another story:
With a mob of Muslim extremists on their tail, the Christian businessman and his nephew climbed up on the roof and ran for their lives, jumping from building to building in their southern Egyptian village. Finally they ran out of rooftops.
Forced back onto the street, they were overwhelmed by several dozen men. The attackers hacked them with axes and beat them with clubs and tree limbs, killing Emile Naseem, 41. The nephew survived with wounds to his shoulders and head and recounted the chase to The Associated Press.
The mob’s rampage through the village of Nagaa Hassan, burning dozens of Christian houses and stabbing to death three other Christians as well, came two days after the military ousted Islamist President Mohammed Morsi from power. It was no coincidence the attackers focused on Naseem and his family: He was the village’s most prominent campaigner calling for Morsi’s removal.
In this Wednesday, July 10, 2013 photo, a supporter of ousted Egypt's President Mohammed Morsi, carries a child as others protest before breaking their fast during the Islamic month of Ramadan, in Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt. (AP)
While Islamists are blaming Christians for Morsi's forced departure from office, these problems are nothing new for Bible-believers. They have been harassed and killed -- and have seen their businesses destroyed at the hands of radicals for quite some time.
An overview by Beliefnet's Rob Kerby back in 2012 showed, in detail, what these assaults looked have looked like over the years.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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