Attack on Coptic Christian Mourners -

Statement by the Honourable Jim Karygiannis,

Member of Parliament for Scarborough-Agincourt and Liberal Critic for Multiculturalism

It was with great dismay that I learned that Coptic Christian mourners in Egypt were attacked as they marched to Tahir Square to mark the forty day anniversary of the Maspero attack which left at least 26 people dead and hundreds injured.My thoughts and prayers are with those who were injured and I wish them a speedy recovery.

The right to practice one’s religion in peace is a basic human right. The Egyptian authorities must seek out those who perpetrated the Maspero attack and yesterday’s attack on the mourners; bring them to justice and ensure that they bear the full weight of the law.

I urge the Conservative Government to express to the Military Government of Egypt the outrage of Canadians at these vicious attacks. I urge you to visit the following website to call on the Prime Minister to act  

http://www.jimkarygiannis.net/coptic_petition.

Contact:Margot Doey-Vick,

Media RelationsOffice of the Hon. Jim Karygiannis, P.C., M.P.

Scarborough-Agincourt (613)992-4501 or

(416)321-2405