Iman Chairman condemns church bombing in Egypt

An explosion outside a Coptic church in the Egyptian city of Alexandria has killed 21 people and injured more than 90 early on today. The suspected suicide attack happened as several hundred worshippers left New Year’s mass in the Church of the Two Saints

Several hundred Christians later clashed nearby with Muslims and police. Political and religious leaders have condemned the attack. Coptic Christians make up 10 percent of Egypt's 80 million population, which is mainly Muslim.

Commenting on the attack, the Chairman of the Iman Foundation, Ribal Al-Assad, said:

"I condemn this heinous terrorist act. The criminals who perpetrated this act are without humanity and must be brought to justice. No religion advocates the killing of innocent people. I would like to extend my condolences to the families of those killed and to the wounded. The path of dialogue is key to preventing sectarian conflicts and bringing about understanding and mutual acceptance. We stand united with the Egyptian people against extremism and terrorism."