Coptic Christian shot dead by terrorists

A COPTIC Christian, Nabil Habashi Salama, aged 62, who was abducted in Northern Sinai, Egypt, in November, was among three men murdered last week by a terrorist group linked to Islamic State, it has been reported. His abductors initially demanded a ransom of £230,000. On Saturday, however, a video was released in which Mr Habashi Salama was shown being shot in the back of the head. One of the three militants present, whose face was blurred, reportedly shouted a warning to “Christians of Egypt” that “this is the price you pay for supporting the Egyptian army.” Local media reports suggest that the three suspects seen in the video have since been killed by Egyptian security forces.

Diocese in Europe helps more UK nationals in France

THE Diocese in Europe Residency Support Project, which helps UK nationals in France to apply for residency under the EU Exit Withdrawal Agreement, has been extended to the end of 2021. The project, which was started in September, received £250,000 from the National Support Fund (UKNSF) Programme of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The French authorities have stated that all UK nationals wishing to retain their French residency rights will have until 30 June to apply, and that they should be in possession of their new permit by 1 October. The diocesan project, which offers a website and confidential helpline, is aimed at “those who may have more complex circumstances or need assistance”. frenchresidencysupport.org