An Egyptian rights organization has accused state-run Al-Ahram newspaper of igniting sectarian tension by insulting Coptic Church head Pope Shenouda III. Naguib Gabriel, the head of the Egyptian Union for Human Rights Organizations (EUHRO), submitted a complaint to the prosecutor-general against Al-Ahram journalist Abdel Nasser Salama, editor-in-chief Osama Saraya, and CEO Abdel Moneim Saeed. Gabriel requested LE5 million compensation to be spent on church maintenance. Gabriel's accusations include libel, false reporting, undermining social security, and inciting sectarian unrest. A recently published article by Salama accused Shenouda of introducing the concept of sectarianism to Egyptian society. It also claimed the pope delivered a speech in Alexandria in 1973, in which he allegedly called for driving "Muslim invaders out of Egypt." Gabriel defended the pope, who he said is known for his nationalist stance and defense of Arab causes. Saraya offered an official apology to the pope in his own Wednesday article. Salama criticized the Coptic community as a whole, following clashes that erupted last month in Omraneya, Giza between security forces and Coptic protesters. The Copts took to the streets to voice opposition over a decision by authorities to halt construction on a local church. Translated from the Arabic Edition.
