Loula Lahham

For Egypt’s president, the revolution was a turning point in Egypt’s history, a sign of the Egyptian people’s desire for change. The decline in tourism and inflation have negatively affected an already ailing economy. Only the Tahrir Square metro station is no closed; no public celebration was held and no violence has been reported.

Egypt’s president makes the pledge to Patriarch Tawadros. The Institute for Islamic Legal Research defends the right of Christians to build churches in Muslim countries. However, Copts are still discriminated in society.

This is the third attack against minority Copts since the start of the year. Bassam Safouat Zaki was originally from Asyut. His murder follows that of a couple in Monufia and that of man who was attacked in broad daylight in Alexandria by a man shouting “Allah Akbar".

Security forces and civilians are killed and hurt in the incident. So far, no one has claimed responsibility for the attack. In the latter, the second this year in the Sinai, terrorists opened fire on the checkpoint, followed by the blast of car packed with explosives, which damaged surrounding buildings.

The journalist explains on Facebook that whilst his “burdens and responsibilities" have “opened many minds", they have also led to "a lot of pressure." The speaker of parliament had accused him of "criminal disinformation." A long-time critic of the establishment, he has received awards and honours for his fight for freedom of information.

Wael Shalaby, secretary general of the State Council, hanged himself with a scarf. He had recently been arrested in connection with a major financial scandal involving Jamal al-Din al-Laban. The judge’s lawyer slams prison guards for poor supervision. An autopsy has been ordered.

US Congress discusses a law authorizing the supervision of the work of reconstruction of churches and buildings destroyed by Islamic extremists. 84 in total from 2013 to the present. Cairo authorities and Christian groups call the norm illegitimate form of interference. Fr. Greiche: Where was the United States when the Muslim Brotherhood burned the churches?

Jamal al-Din al-Laban, a Justice Ministry official, is arrested after large sums of cash in local and foreign currency as well as jewels and title deeds are found at his home. Irony and outrage prevail on the web with most users believing that "They are all corrupt."

The new media council's status will be set up within three months. Meanwhile, journalists who transgress can expect more fines.

Four people, including a woman, have been arrested in connection with Sunday’s attack. Two other wanted men are on the run. The suicide bomber has been identified as a man linked to the Muslim Brotherhood. The latter however has denied any involvement in the incident, which was captured on a CCTV camera.

Pope expressed his closeness to the affected community, especially women and children who represent the largest number of victims. He mentioned the blood ecumenism of martyrs and offered prayers for peace in Egypt and the world. Funerals took place in Cairo led by Patriarch Tawadros II. The attackers "have offended an entire nation."

The Catholic Church spokesman, Fr. Rafic Greiche, offers condolences and prayers for the dead and the wounded. An appeal to the security forces. For the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine it is Israel's influence. The condemnation of Al Azhar. Celebrations for the birth of the prophet Mohammed interrupted. Pope Tawadros II calls short his trip to Greece.