The following article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/22/international/africa/22egypt.htmlIn Christ,
Hadel
Church Play Sets Off Muslim Riot in Egypt
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: October 22, 2005
ALEXANDRIA, Egypt, Oct. 21 (AP) - Thousands of Muslims rioted outside a Coptic Christian church on Friday to denounce a play deemed offensive to Islam, prompting the police to beat protesters and fire tear gas into the crowd, officials said. One person died and more than 90 were injured.
The police said 53 protesters were arrested as people hurled stones, smashed windows and tried to storm St. George Coptic Orthodox Church. Protesters also set a police car on fire and wrecked eight other cars, the Interior Ministry said in a statement.
A photographer for The Associated Press saw police officers fire rubber bullets into the crowd, causing injuries. But the police said officers fired rubber bullets only into the air while trying to disperse the crowd.
One protester, Mohammad Zakaraya Hassan, 48, died after being trampled and inhaling tear gas, according to a police official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.
The Interior Ministry described the protesters as "fanatic elements" who "escalated a negative reaction to a play."
