Contact: Lindsay Vessey,
Coptic Solidarity,
801-512-1713,
info@copticsolidarity.org

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ -- A new report by the Islamic State has just been published with photos alluding to the possible execution of the 21 Coptic Christian construction workers kidnapped from their place of employment in Sirte Libya. Coptic Solidarity condemns this heinous kidnapping and urges the Egyptian government to do everything possible to save the Coptic hostages.

Websites related to the Islamic State published pictures of the abducted Coptic workers, wearing orange execution dresses, their hands tightened with ropes, and being led by masked men on a sea shore. They are shown in another picture with knives put over their throats in a slaughter position. While showing the Coptic abductees in death dress, there was no explicit mention of whether they have already been executed.

The abductees are construction workers who belong to the Samalot and Matai districts, in the Minya governorate, in Upper Egypt. Families of the abductees appealed yet again to President Sisi to intervene to save their loved ones, or at least meet them in order to be to briefed on the details of the abduction which occurred over 40 days ago.

The Islamic State's magazine Dabiq included an article in its latest issue #7 attacking "the Coptic Crusaders." Thursday's publication says that the abducted workers have been "captured by members of the organization in retaliation of what the West inflicts upon Muslims." Accusing the Copts of being the followers of the late (Pope) Shenouda and the supporters of the taghut (tyrant) Sisi, the article boasted that the Islamic State "strikes terror in the hearts of the Copts." This presumably refers to the capture of 21 Coptic workers in Libya almost six weeks ago and prior attacks on churches in Egypt.

The article concluded with a call to kill Copts anywhere: "Finally, it is important for Muslims everywhere to know that there is no doubt in the great reward to be found on Judgment Day for those who spill the blood of these Coptic crusaders wherever they may be found..."
 
Coptic Solidarity holds the Egyptian government responsible to protect its own citizens in Libya, including evacuating them from areas of danger. The Egyptian government to date has been lax and done very little regarding the despicable deaths and kidnapping of Copts in Libya.

Coptic Solidarity urges President al-Sissi to immediately take the lead to save the innocent workers, abducted for their faith and possibly to revenge Mr. Sissi's war on Islamist fighters. Confronting the Islamist State terrorists in Egypt's western flank is no less important than combating them in Sinai.

Coptic Solidarity is non-profit organization dedicated to leading efforts to achieve equal citizenship for the Copts in Egypt and minorities in Middle East. For more information, contact Lindsay Vessey at 801-512-1713 or info@copticsolidarity.org