Coptic Christians Feel Pressure Of Islamist Rule

05:44

December 18, 2012

In this Friday, Dec. 14 photo, opponents of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi hold pamphlets urging a "no vote" on a constitutional referendum as cars burn during clashes between supporters and opponents of President Mohammed Morsi in Alexandria, Egypt. This Mediterranean city with a cosmopolitan heritage, now an Islamist stronghold, is often seen as a predictor of Egypt’s trends. So a ferocious battle between sword-wielding Islamists and rock-throwing opponents outside a revered mosque last weekend could be a sign of the volatile direction the country’s crisis is taking: Islamists are threatening to take up arms, and young, secular activists are growing bolder in rebelling against their domination. (AP) — In this Friday, Dec. 14 photo, opponents of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi hold pamphlets urging a "no vote" on a constitutional referendum as cars burn during clashes between supporters and opponents of President Mohammed Morsi in Alexandria, Egypt. (AP)

Egypt's second-largest city Alexandria has seen many demonstrations which led to violence in the run up to the referendum on the draft constitution.

There were heavy clashes between supporters and opponents of President Mohamed Morsi last Friday, a day before Egyptians went to vote on the charter. Alexandria is a now stronghold for Islamists.

As Egypt gears up for the second round of voting, the BBC's Shaimaa Khalil went back to her home-town of Alexandria and spoke to Coptic Christians about how they're feeling with the new Islamist leadership in Cairo.

This segment aired on December 18, 2012.