6 terrorists referred to Criminal Court over attempting to target churches

CAIRO – 21 April 2018: Six Islamic State-affiliate defendants were referred to the State Security Criminal Court over forming a terrorist cell that targets Christians and endangering the security of the state.

The defendants, who are believed to be in close liaison with the Islamic State terrorist group, faced multiple charges relating to forming a terrorist group that intends to carry out terrorist operations with the aim of preventing state institutions from carrying out their role, harming national unity and social peace and attacking civilians.

The charges also included the funding of terrorist cell and equipping it with explosives to proceed with their terrorist crimes that target Christians and churches.

Ahead of the Christmas celebrations in December 2017, and based on information gathered and received by National Security department at the Ministry of Interior about a planned attempt by a group of terrorists to target the Coptic Orthodox Church in Mahla city, Security forces managed to intercept the defendants before proceeding with their terrorist crime. Shortly afterwards, State Security Prosecution launched investigations into the matter.