CAIRO: The sweeping electoral wins by the Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated Freedom and Justice Party and Salafist al-Nour Party has left Egypt's Coptic Christian community on edge after the first round of parliamentary elections. As many as 10,000 Egyptian Copts requested immigration papers to leave Egypt, Bishop Salib Matta said. The Bishop reported that many Copts asked questions about the future of Egypt if Islamic movements hold on to power. “Any Copt who leaves his country is selling his country,” Matta said, expressing his astonishment at the fear. “Egypt is for all Egyptians, whether Muslim or Christian.” “Copt means Egyptian; the Copts are not guests to Egypt, they are residents.” “During the January 25 Revolution both Muslims and Christians sacrificed their souls for freedom and justice,” Matta continued. “Freedom and justice are church demands from the government.” “We suffered under the former regime from oppression, church-burnings and those who died asking for justice and citizenship.” “If Islamists apply Islamic rules, they will apply only to Muslims as Copts have their own rules,” Matta said. “Both Islam and Christianity agree with regard to nightclubs and wine.” Bishop Vlobacar, from the Virgin Mary Church in Faisal, today said that Tahrir Square protestors will remain to demonstrate against tyranny and injustice. “Copts fear not death to apply freedom and citizenship; Copts will not suffer more injustice after the former regime,” he added.
