Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the attack on the Egyptian Coptic community
Date: Fri 26th May, 2017 | 17:47
"On behalf of the people of Ireland, may I express my deepest sympathies to the people of Egypt, and in particular to the relatives of the victims, following the brutal attack on a group of Coptic Christians travelling to the holy site of Saint Samuel.
The attacks on the Coptic community in Egypt should be of concern to all members of the international community, and were among the issues that I highlighted when I was visited by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II earlier this month.
At our meeting we discussed the importance of freedom of belief and expression – a fundamental freedom which has been threatened by these recent attacks.
I have conveyed my condolences to Pope Tawadros, to the Coptic community in Ireland, and to the Egyptian Ambassador in Ireland.”