Comment by the Information and Press Department on the beheading of Egyptian Coptic Christians in Libya
On February 15, a video was posted online showing the beheading of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians, who had been kidnapped near Sirte in Libya, by Libyan jihadists affiliated with the terrorist organisation Islamic State (ISIS). The same day, President of Egypt Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said in a TV address to the nation that Egypt reserves the right to respond in any way it sees fit.
Moscow has been shocked by this crime, which is the latest evidence of the barbarous essence of ISIS. We express solidarity with the friendly Egyptian people and leadership in their fight against international terrorism. We also send our condolences to the family and friends of the victims of this horrible tragedy.
The killings show that it is innocent civilians who are the first to suffer at the hands of terrorists, whether it be in Libya, Egypt, Syria, Iraq or any other country in the region. Russia will continue to provide active support, based on the generally accepted principles of international law, to the struggle against this global evil.
