Egyptian Christians Face Increased Kidnappings
Kidnappers are targeting Christians in a southern province in Egypt.
More than 150 Christians, including children, have been kidnapped for ransom in Minya province over the past two years. Many Christians live in this province, along with some of Egypt’s most radical Islamists.
Church leaders say the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood is partly to blame.
That’s because criminals are emboldened by the preaching of Islamic clerics who declare Christians are second-class citizens.
Christians rarely report the kidnappings because they don’t believe the police will help them.
One priest says local officials don’t prosecute Muslims accused of attacking Christian homes and churches, and that encourages more crime.
Christians make up about 10 percent of Egypt’s 83 million people.
