An Egyptian Coptic church in Libya's second city has been attacked by unknown gunmen in apparent retalliation for Copts found to be proselytizing in Libya, AFP reported on Monday.
Two priests were assaulted during the attack on the church in Benghazi, according to the Libyan foreign ministry, which issued a statement to say it "strongly condemned Thursday's attack on the Egyptian church... and the aggression towards Father Paula Isaac and his deputy by the irresponsible armed men."
The incident follows the arrests of around 50 Egyptian Christians, accused of trying to convert the local populace, who are largely Muslim. Attempts to convert Muslims is strictly forbidden in Libya and most Muslim countries.
The Libyan government has now begun an inquiry into the attacks, involving the ministries of the interior, defense and justice.
