Church apologises for scout attack on journalists

Cairo's Virgin Mary Church has offered an apology to journalists who were allegedly assaulted Tuesday while covering the visit of Pope Tawadros II to commemorate the apparition of the Virgin Mary. "The church apologises to journalists and all attendees for any negatives in the organisation of the event," read a statement sent by the church to journalists Wednesday. The Journalists' Syndicate condemned on Wednesday assaults on journalists while covering the Coptic event in Cairo's Zeitoun district, and demanded the church issue an apology. Journalist filed a complaint to the syndicate's head claiming they were attacked by the church's boy scouts. In its Wednesday statement, the church said it holds the head of the Journalists' Syndicate and all Egyptian journalists in great respect. For his part, the secretary of Pope Twardos II, Reverend Angelos, claimed the assault was the result of a "massive crowd and stampede." "The large numbers present exceeded the capacity of the place, which led to some organisational problems." Journalists were also attacked at the Muslim Brotherhood headquarters in Cairo’s Moqattam district last month. Journalists held several demonstrations condemning the assaults. From Ahram Online