Coptic Church denounces shuttering of churches in Minya

The Minya diocese of the Coptic Church issued statement on Saturday denouncing the repeated closing of churches in Minya after authorities shut down another two churches. “We have kept quiet for two weeks after the closure of one of the churches, but due to our silence the situation has worsened ... it is as if prayer is a crime the Copts must be punished for,” the statement read. The diocese alleged that worshipers were harassed at both churches and pelted with rocks. A third church was also shut down following rumors of an impending attack. Reuters also has the story.