The remains of 20 Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Christians killed in 2015 by Islamic State in its
former Libyan stronghold of Sirte, have finally been returned to Egypt. The Coptic Christians along with one Ghanaian citizen were beheaded on a beach in February 2015 wearing orange jumpsuits,
in a video recording. The Australian Coptic Movement has been reporting on the affairs of Coptic Christians in Libya since
early 2014.
The remains of 20 Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Christians killed in 2015 by Islamic State in its
former Libyan stronghold of Sirte, have finally been returned to Egypt.
The bodies were recovered in October 2017 after the area where they were buried was recaptured from the jihadist group.
The Coptic Christians along with one Ghanaian citizen were beheaded on a beach in February 2015 wearing orange jumpsuits,
in a video recording.
Libyan media earlier reported that their bodies will be flown from the western city of Misrata to Egypt, a Libyan official said, adding that there was an additional victim from Ghana.
A total of 21 people were beheaded in the incident.
The martyrs remains arrived at Cairo airport a few hours earlier and HH Pope Tawadros II was at the
airport to receive the remains.
The Australian Coptic Movement Association responded to the events in Libya holding a rally
in Sydney’s Martin Place in February 2015 and condemning the ongoing attacks on Coptic Christians. We also
raised funds for the families affected. The event was covered by several Australian and International
media outlets and there were representatives present from all parties and religious denominations.
