French Coptic churches on alert over ‘terror threats’

At least 19 Coptic churches across France will face heightened security measures amid alleged terror threats from Islamist groups as their members prepare to celebrate Christmas on Friday.

French officials launched an investigation into the alleged threats earlier this week.

The announcement came in the wake of a deadly attack on a Coptic church in Alexandria on New Year’s Day, which claimed twenty three lives.

Coptic Christians make up about ten percent of Egypt’s 80 million people, most of whom are Muslims.

The Copts complain of discrimination, pointing to restrictions on church building and an informal ban on Christians holding top government jobs.

The Coptic Church celebrates Christmas on January 7 because it uses the Julian calendar, adopted by Julius Caesar in 45 B.C.

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