“On behalf of the Christian Democratic Party across Australia, I condemn the demonic attack on innocent Coptic Christians in Libya. This attack was carried out by barbaric Islamic ISIS militants. They were brutally beheaded on a beach” said Rev Fred Nile MLC, leader of the Christian Democratic Party.
“The Foreign Minister, Hon Julie Bishop must clearly convey Australia’s view on this barbaric act to the Australian Public and especially to the large Australian Coptic Community in Australia which numbers up to 120,000 Australia wide.
“I pose the question of what action has the Australian Government taken since they secured a seat on the UN Security Council?
“What assistance has been provided to the Egyptian Government? What representations have they made on the plight of these Coptic Christians who have been held captive for weeks?
“What action is the Australian Government and the United Nations going to take to prevent these massacres of innocent Christians in Libya and around the world?
“We support demands by The Australian Coptic Movement Association for Coptic Christians to be officially included in any proposed increase to the Australian refugee intake. They have been suffering for decades both in Egypt and Libya yet minimal action has been taken by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
“Just yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting the Coptic Bishop of Sydney, Bishop Daniel and Coptic community leaders in Western Sydney. They are deeply concerned regarding the rise of IS and their loved ones back home.
“Now is the time for Australia to use its seat on the United Nations to support the most vulnerable communities in the world. North Africa’s Coptic Christians are one of those communities” said Rev Nile.
Rev. Hon. Fred Nile ED., L.Th., M.L.C.
Parliamentary Leader, Christian Democratic Party
Parliament House, Macquarie Street, SYDNEY NSW 2000
Telephone: (02) 9230 2478 | Facsimile: (02) 9230 2098
Email: [email protected]
