"A long-awaited new law maintains restrictions over the construction and renovation of churches and discriminates against the Christian minority in Egypt. The law, passed by Egypt’s parliament on August 30, 2016, applies only to Christian houses of worship," Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a statement.
The law establishes requirements for construction of new churches depending on the size of Christian community. The final decision over new church construction is also to be made by the governors if they decide that the Christian place of worship would not disturb the peace in the area with Muslim citizens.
HRW fears that the law can impede the process of building and renovation of Christian churches. “Laws that discriminate between individuals, or their houses of worship, on the basis of religion violate both Egypt’s constitution and international law,” HRW says.
Copts, Christian community in Egypt, making about 10 percent of the population, are regularly attacked by Muslims, especially in rural areas. In June, an angry Muslim mob destroyed dozens of Christian homes in Egyptian village of Al Bayda protesting against plans to build a Christian church.
