July 11, 2013 – Andrew Bennett, Canada’s Ambassador for Religious Freedom, today issued the following statement:
“Canada remains deeply concerned by the continuing violence in Egypt, which has claimed the lives of more than 50 protesters in recent days and left many hundreds more injured. On the eve of continued protests, we call for calm and restraint on both sides.
“Canada condemns the shooting death of Coptic Christian priest Mina Aboud Sharween near El Arish in Egypt’s Northern Sinai.
“Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms violent extremism in all its forms and urges all parties in Egypt to remain calm, avoid violence and engage in meaningful political dialogue.
“The targeting of religious leaders is unacceptable. Canada calls on Egyptian authorities to protect religious leaders from violence and intimidation.
“At this critical time in Egypt’s democratic transition, Canada will continue to support a pluralist democratic Egypt that protects the right of all Egyptians, regardless of faith, to live in peace.”
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