A Muslim man has been charged with the murder of 30-year-old Egyptian Christian Kyrillos Megally, who died in hospital on 7 June, three days after being attacked with a cleaver.
Abdullah Hosni, who has confessed to the killing in the village of Arab Mahdy, Sohag Governorate, Upper Egypt, is alleged to have pushed Kyrillos from the motorcycle he was riding before striking him repeatedly with a cleaver, inflicting fatal injuries.
The victim’s family claim that Abdullah is an extremist who has a history of harassing and assaulting Christians.
Kyrillos Megally was fatally attacked while on holiday in Arab Mahdy from his job in Kuwait [Image credit: Wataninet]
As well as confessing to the killing, Abdullah, who is in police custody pending further police investigations, has admitted to disposing of the cleaver down a drain, according to prosecutors. His family claim he is mentally unbalanced.
The victim’s brother Medhat told local media that Abdullah has a reputation for harassing Christians. Medhat said that two years ago Abdullah attacked two Christians – a brother and cousin of Kyrillos Megally – and was sentenced to one year in prison. “After that he went to work in Libya and came back two days before he attacked my brother,” added Medhat.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Interior confirmed the accused had a criminal record.
Kyrillos Megally worked in Kuwait and had returned to his home village of Arab Mahdy for a holiday. His funeral was held on 8 June.
Pray for the family of Kyrillos Megally and ask the Lord to draw close to them and give them comfort. Pray for guidance for the authorities investigating the killing and that a just verdict is reached in the case.
