7 Egyptians arrested after sectarian riot released 2 days later

The seven Egyptian Muslims were arrested after a riot in the southern city if Isna on Sunday were released Tuesday, according to the International Herald Tribune.

Thirteen Christian-owned shops were smashed or burned and a church facade was damaged in the riot

According to a Reuters report: “Tensions have been high in the city for several days with a number of incidents threatening to escalate into sectarian clashes. Police have upgraded their presence.

The tensions appear to have started when an angry crowd of Muslims surrounded and smashed up a Christian-owned store on Wednesday, where they suspected a Muslim girl was having sex with two Christian boys. Police beefed up security in the city after that incident.”

According to IHT: “Police detained 15 people suspected of taking part in the attacks. The seven released were believed to be the main suspects, the official from the prosecutors' office said. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media.”

For the full IHT article, click here.

For the full Reuters article, click here.