NDP condemns the murder of Egyptian Copts by ISIS

NDP foreign affairs critic Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre) has issued the following statement:

“New Democrats join the international community in unequivocally condemning the brutal killing of 21 Egyptian Christians by Da’esh (ISIS) militants in Libya.

“These brutal killings come at a time when Coptic Christians in Egypt have increasingly faced extremist violence. In recent years dozens of churches were looted, burnt down or vandalized throughout Egypt. Governments everywhere must protect people’s freedom to express their beliefs peacefully and publicly, without fear or intimidation.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of those whose lives were taken, the Coptic community and the Egyptian people. Canada must play a central role in promoting pluralism and respect for minority rights worldwide.”