Fierce Police and Christian Clashes in Egypt over Church Construction

Police forces in Egypt clashed today with Coptic Christians over the construction of a new church and police fired tear gas to disperse the protest in Giza, Cairo.

Witnesses maintain that one protester was killed and several police, including the chief of security and protesters, were injured after Coptic Christians hurled stones at police in the protest and approximately 100 people were arrested.

The Christians claim that they had been given permission to build the church; however, Egyptian media denies any permits were issued.