2005 Alexandria riot
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The 2005 Alexandria riot was an anti-Christian riot in the Egyptian port city of Alexandria, resulting in several casualties. The riot was an escalation of already hightened tensions between Christians and Muslims in Egypt, especially in Alexandria, following the stabbing of a nun in the city by a Muslim man days prior and his subsequent arrest, which left the nun seriously injured.
The riot began on the 21st of October when a group of Muslims staged a demonstration outside St. George's Coptic Church. Protestors gathered in an effort to stop the alleged distribution of a DVD recording of the play,[1] "I Once Was Blind But Now I See," which tells the story of a young Coptic Christian becoming intrigued by Islam, who later is nearly killed by Islamic militants.[2]
The situation quickly deteriorated as multiple cars were set on fire, and stones were thrown at police and the church, damaging its exterior. Unrest continued until the following day, when riot police armed with shotguns were deployed to defend the church, and prevent protestors from storming the building.[3] Only after the use of rubber bullets, and deployment of tear gas, which killed one protestor,[1] did the protests subdue. Over 5,000 Muslims partook in the protests.[2] According to the Interior Ministry,[2] over 90 people were injured, and 3 people were killed. The riot was reported on by several international news organizations.
