As Egypt's elections kick off on Monday 26 March for the next three days, Rfi goes to the southern city of Asyut, which has one of the largest Coptic populations in the country, to see if efforts by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi have been effective in ensuring the safety of the Copts after recent terrorist attacks.
On a hot sunny afternoon, just before the start of the weekend, the three hour mass at the Arch Angel Michael Cathedral in Asyut is packed. The Coptic Orthodox Church plays a central role in keeping the Coptic community connected both religiously and socially. The smell of frankincense mixes with the spring smell in the air as the priest carries burning incense while weaving his way around the men sitting to his right and the women sitting to his left who cover their heads loosely with a shawl.
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