The Officers of the UK All Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion or Belief are deeply saddened by the attack on a mosque in Egypt’s North Sinai province which took place today.
According to local police, men in four off-road vehicles opened fire on worshippers who were attending Friday prayers at the al-Rawda mosque. They then detonated several explosive devices. This attack is a gross violation of the Right to Freedom of Religion or Belief, which is enshrined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Latest reports indicate that the attack, which is the deadliest militant attack against an Egyptian target, has killed at least 200 people and left at least another 130 wounded. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been hurt and with the families and friends of those who have been killed.
Any violence against innocent civilians is unacceptable and it is horrifying to see people killed for simply practising their beliefs in peace. It is unclear who is behind the attack but we urge the UK Government to work with their Egyptian counterparts to bring the assailants to justice. We also ask all Governments to protect those who are discriminated against or attacked because of their religion or belief.