CAIRO // Iran has blamed unidentified foreign enemies for the killing of an Egyptian Shiite Muslim leader amid rising domestic and international criticism of the Egyptian president, Mohammed Morsi, ahead of rallies to call for his resignation.
Eight people were arrested in connection with the murders of Shiite leader Hassan Shehata, two of his brothers and a fourth person in a village in Giza district on Sunday, according to a statement from the Giza Security directorate yesterday.
Villagers surrounded Mr Shehata's home, threatening to set it ablaze if the 70 Shiites inside did not leave the village, the state-run Al Ahram newspaper reported today. When they refused to leave, villagers stormed the house and dragged several people out along the ground before beating the four to death.
Videos on YouTube showed hundreds of residents denouncing their victims as infidels and hauling their blood-soaked bodies while chanting "Allahu Akbar".
Mr Morsi's critics blame him for rising sectarian violence that has also seen Coptic Christian churches and worshippers attacked since the downfall of the former president, Hosni Mubarak, more than two years ago.
Pro-Morsi protesters plan to gather on June 28, two days before opponents mass to demand his removal.
Iran said attempts to deepen rifts between Sunni and Shiite Muslims are a "plot or scheme that is part of the goals of the foreign enemies", said a spokesman for Iran's foreign ministry.
"Enemies of Egypt have been hurt by the revolution and to compensate, they are going to divide and polarise ethnic and religious sects in the country."
Iranian officials have accused western nations, including the United States - which it often refers to as an enemy - of intervening in regional politics with the aim of creating division. The killings have been condemned by Egypt's presidency.
There are about 500,000 Shiites in Egypt and they face increasing sectarian discrimination, said Mohammed Ghoneim, the head of the Coalition of Egyptian Shiites. The country is the most populous in the Arab world with about 84 million people.
The attack came several days after several Salafis, who embrace an ultraconservative interpretation of Islam, insulted Shiites during a rally attended by Mr Morsi, who listened silently while preachers called on him not to allow Shiites to corrupt Egypt, with one, Mohamed Abdel Maqsoud, calling them "unclean".
Ultraconservative Islamists oppose what had been a growing rapprochement between long-time regional rivals Iran and Egypt. The conflict in Syria has tested that warming, with Iran supporting the Syrian president, Bashar Al Assad, and Egypt siding with the largely Sunni opposition.
In April, Egypt suspended charter flights from Iran under pressure from ultraconservative Sunni Muslims who said better relations would allow Iran to spread Shiite beliefs in the country. Flights had begun on March 30 for the first time in 34 years, after both countries signed a tourism agreement.
SPECS
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Types of policy
Term life insurance: this is the cheapest and most-popular form of life cover. You pay a regular monthly premium for a pre-agreed period, typically anything between five and 25 years, or possibly longer. If you die within that time, the policy will pay a cash lump sum, which is typically tax-free even outside the UAE. If you die after the policy ends, you do not get anything in return. There is no cash-in value at any time. Once you stop paying premiums, cover stops.
Whole-of-life insurance: as its name suggests, this type of life cover is designed to run for the rest of your life. You pay regular monthly premiums and in return, get a guaranteed cash lump sum whenever you die. As a result, premiums are typically much higher than one term life insurance, although they do not usually increase with age. In some cases, you have to keep up premiums for as long as you live, although there may be a cut-off period, say, at age 80 but it can go as high as 95. There are penalties if you don’t last the course and you may get a lot less than you paid in.
Critical illness cover: this pays a cash lump sum if you suffer from a serious illness such as cancer, heart disease or stroke. Some policies cover as many as 50 different illnesses, although cancer triggers by far the most claims. The payout is designed to cover major financial responsibilities such as a mortgage or children’s education fees if you fall ill and are unable to work. It is cost effective to combine it with life insurance, with the policy paying out once if you either die or suffer a serious illness.
Income protection: this pays a replacement income if you fall ill and are unable to continue working. On the best policies, this will continue either until you recover, or reach retirement age. Unlike critical illness cover, policies will typically pay out for stress and musculoskeletal problems such as back trouble.
'Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore'
Rating: 3/5
Directed by: David Yates
Starring: Mads Mikkelson, Eddie Redmayne, Ezra Miller, Jude Law
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Company%20Profile
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Company%20Profile
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Eyasses squad
Charlie Preston (captain) – goal shooter/ goalkeeper (Dubai College)
Arushi Holt (vice-captain) – wing defence / centre (Jumeriah English Speaking School)
Olivia Petricola (vice-captain) – centre / wing attack (Dubai English Speaking College)
Isabel Affley – goalkeeper / goal defence (Dubai English Speaking College)
Jemma Eley – goal attack / wing attack (Dubai College)
Alana Farrell-Morton – centre / wing / defence / wing attack (Nord Anglia International School)
Molly Fuller – goal attack / wing attack (Dubai College)
Caitlin Gowdy – goal defence / wing defence (Dubai English Speaking College)
Noorulain Hussain – goal defence / wing defence (Dubai College)
Zahra Hussain-Gillani – goal defence / goalkeeper (British School Al Khubairat)
Claire Janssen – goal shooter / goal attack (Jumeriah English Speaking School)
Eliza Petricola – wing attack / centre (Dubai English Speaking College)
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TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5