Muslims, Christians Clash in Egypt

CAIRO — Muslims and Coptic Christians clashed after Friday prayers over a land dispute, leaving 20 injured, security officials said.

Police arrested 50 people following the clash in Minya province, about 130 miles south of Cairo, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media.

The clashes began after prayers when Muslim villagers in Izbat el-Abid protested against the extension of a monastery in a nearby village, claiming the construction was on state property, the officials said.

Police had to ask for reinforcements from throughout the province to control the clash, the officials added.

Coptic Christians make up an estimated 10 percent of Egypt's 76.5 million people. They generally live in peace with the Muslim majority, though occasional clashes occur.

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