Yet they refuse to speak of these abuses, knowing that their silence may slightly improve their chances of obtaining a permit from the Egyptian president to operate their religious facilities, which is required for anything and everything from building a church to repairing a toilet. Christians have been attacked by Muslim extremists without warning, and there are reports of Christian girls abducted, raped, and forced to convert to Islam. Rumors of making church repairs or building without permits occasionally have resulted in anti-Christian rioting by citizens.
Terrorists continue to attack churches and properties and to target and kill Christian believers.
Copts also report extortion of money by terrorists who threaten to kill the individual or his family if money is not paid.