Mainstream media have picked up on the religious dimension of sectarian clashes in Egypt.
The Associated Press on Aug. 8 took a broad look at the issue, which included this chilling quote from an Assiut shopkeeper: “[Islamists] run their index finger across their throats to suggest they will slaughter us, or scream Morsi’s name in our faces.”
On Aug. 12 the BBC weighed in with a report that at least seven Christians have been killed, according to Amnesty International, while one church has been burnt down and the black flag used by jihadist militants raised over others.
“[Security forces] only give lip-service to attacks on Christians, and actually don’t take any concrete action to combat the prevailing discrimination that exists in policies and society here,” Amnesty International’s Diane Eltahawy said.