CAIRO: Security measures outside the Egyptian television headquarters, Maspiro, were strict last night. Coptic Christians have been demonstrating outside Maspiro for nearly two weeks. Armored vehicles were placed on the road leading to Bulaq neighborhood, extending to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in case clashes occurred between protestors and local residents. There was also an increase in military police and Central Security Forces are now present on all roads leading to Maspiro, especially after the announcement that protests will continue. The sit-in was expected to end yesterday at noon. Indeed, demonstrators took down their tents and began cleaning the area. After news spread of sectarian clashes outside a church in Ain Shams, however, Copts made the decision to continue their sit-in. The media coordinator of the Youth Federation of Maspiro Copts, Fady Youssef, said they will not stop protesting until their legitimate demands are met. This includes imprisoning those responsible for attacking churches as well as releasing the ten people arrested in the events that occurred outside the Church of the Virgin Mary in Imbaba. The number of protestors increased last night as more Copts go to Maspiro to demand for justice to be met. Coptic Christians comprise about 10 percent of Egypt's population.
