20110107
reuters

CAIRO (Reuters) - Egypt tightened security around churches on Thursday, the eve of Coptic Christmas, after a New Year's Day bombing killed up to 23 and sparked angry protests by Christians demanding more protection from Muslim militants.

Officials suspect an al Qaeda-inspired bomber was behind the blast outside a church in the port city of Alexandria. Islamist websites had carried repeated threats to attack churches and have since carried threats to strike again.

The blast ripped through worshippers leaving the church, scattering body parts, destroying cars and shattering windows.

"I no longer want to stay in this country," said Emad Atef, 25, a Christian and a carpenter. "I am getting the paperwork to leave. I don't feel safe and neither do those around me."

Extra police were deployed outside main churches, streets nearby were cleared of cars and security forces blocked roads.

Around 100 Muslims and Christians, surrounded by security forces, protested against government inaction in central Cairo's Tahrir Square, a Reuters correspondent reported from the square.

The group chanted slogans against President Hosni Mubarak and urged Interior Minister Habib el-Adly to resign. "Down down Hosni Mubarak ... Long live Egypt with its mosque and church ... Habib should leave," they chanted.

There were also demonstrations of solidarity in other towns, some involving Muslims and Christians standing together in silence holding candles.