Five Killed In Muslim-Christian Violence Near Cairo

Egyptian security vehicles remain stationed in a poor area of the Qaliubia governorate, north of Cairo, following sectarian clashes between Christians and Muslims on April 6, which left five people dead.

Clashes between Muslims and Christians north of Cairo have left five people dead.

Officials said on April 6 that the violence erupted late April 5 after Muslims objected to Coptic Christian children painting on the wall of an Islamic institution in the neighborhood of Al-Khusus in the province of Qaliubia.

Officials said the dead include four Christians and one Muslim while nine more people were injured.

Tensions between Muslims and Christians have occasionally flared after the ouster of President Hosny Mubarak two years ago.

The two communities have clashed because of disagreements over places of worship and conversions.

Christians make up 10 percent of Egypt's population of 85 million.

Their leaders have expressed anxiety over their future since Islamists came to power last year.

Based on reporting by AFP, DPA, and Reuters