Thank you, Chair.
Thank you to the witnesses for your time and your presentations.
The treatment of Coptic Christians in Egypt has been an issue of particular concern to many residents in my riding for some time now. In December, the subcommittee heard from Alex Neve, the secretary general of Amnesty International Canada, on the persecution of the Coptic Christian community in Egypt.
I understand that the Egyptian military and the security forces have killed more than 100 protesters in the past five months. These protesters were, for the most part, peaceful. They were demonstrating and chanting. In particular, of course, there was the gruesome Maspero incident, where the Egyptian security forces used military vehicles to literally run over Coptic Christian protesters.
Amnesty International has repeatedly called for reform of the security forces and an end to the impunity they enjoy in dealing with protesters. Has any progress been made in the security forces upholding the right to peaceful assembly and in policing demonstrations in line with international standards? In your view, how will recent political developments in Egypt impact the religious minority communities?
My other question is about testimony the subcommittee has heard relating to forced conversions of Christian children in Egypt. Do you believe such practices occur? If so, could you explain why forced conversions would occur? That is something that is really very disturbing.