Canadian Coptic Christian demands police protection, says he fears for his life

TORONTO – A Canadian Coptic Christian says he fears for his life and wants police protection after Egypt issued an arrest warrant for him, alleging he was involved in a controversial film.

Nader Fawzy (NAY’-der FOW’-zee) says he doesn’t feel safe and is worried someone will try to kill him or his children.

Fawzy is one of two Canadians named in Egyptian warrants in connection with the film “Innocence of Muslims” which has led to violent protests in several countries.

Fawzy, who appeared today at a Toronto news conference along with his MP Jim Karygiannis, described himself as a Coptic activist.

He says he has spoken out against the way Coptic Christians are treated by the Egyptian government and that he published a book the government didn’t like.

Egypt’s prosecutor general has issued arrest warrants for a number of Coptic Christians, primarily living in the United States, for alleged involvement with the film.

Fawzy and fellow Canadian Jacques Attalla were among those accused of offending Islam, insulting the Prophet Muhammad, inciting sectarian strife and jeopardizing Egypt’s peace and independence.

Both men deny having anything to do with the amateurish movie. But they fear that being named in the warrants has made them targets for Muslim extremists, who’ve been encouraged by senior clerics to kill all those connected to the film.