EGP1.3 m in compensation for Coptic churches bombing victims: Gov't

CAIRO - 25 April 2017: Social solidarity directorates in Egypt have already begun to pay compensation to Coptic churches’ victims, totaling to EGP1,320,000 ($72607), Egypt's Minister of Social Solidarity Ghada Wali announced Tuesday according to an official statement.

A total of EGP840,000 was paid to the 21 people injured in the incident of St. George’s Church in Tanta, while EGP480,000 to the 12 persons injured in the Alexandria Church accident, the statement read.

Wali added that the directorates of social solidarity in Alexandria and Gharbia governorates are working on speeding up the disbursement of special pensions approved by the cabinet. The pension for each victim’s family will be EGP 1,500 per month.

Wali explained that she started to fulfill the legal requirements related to the victims’ families in coordination with the Ministry of Justice in order to receive their compensation as soon as possible.

Islamic State (IS) terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attacks on two churches in Tanta and Alexandria, leaving at least 45 people dead during Palm Sunday celebrations.