Egypt’s Prosecutor-General Abdel Meguid Mahmoud has ordered the release of 46 suspects detained after Copts staging a sit-in in Maspero were attacked by thugs on 14 May. The reason for the attacks is yet to be determined.

Mahmoud also ordered that 16 other suspects be detained pending investigations into their role in inciting the clashes which left at least 78 injured. The group will be held for four days.

The prosecution has also questioned 54 suspects on charges of inciting sectarian tension, attacking security officials, wasting public funds and owning unlicensed weapons.