The Egyptian president’s office released a statement on Monday denouncing the killing of four Shia Muslims in a Giza village on Sunday, saying that "the state will not be lenient with anyone who tampers with Egypt's security or the unity of its people."
An angry mob in the village of Zawyat Abu Musalam, allegedly led by Salafist sheikhs, attacked the houses of Shia residents, lynching four men, including a prominent Shia figure.
The president’s office said in an official statement that relevant state agencies will bring those who committed this crime to justice.
The statement also said that the criminal incident which led to the "death of Egyptian citizens" contradicts with the "spirit of tolerance and respect of the Egyptian people."
In addition, Prime Minister Hisham Qandil also released a statement on Monday saying that the incident contradicts all "religious doctrines."
Qandil also expressed his rejection of any hate speech, or incitement of violence and sedition in society.
Meanwhile, the semi-governmental Egyptian National Council for Human Rights issued on Sunday a statement denouncing the killings of Zawyat Abu Musalam village.
''The recent events are incompatible to the values of society as represented in the Egyptian constitution,'' the statement said.
The council has recommended quick action to arrest those who participated in the lynching and murdering of Shias. It also recommended that religious and national figures adopt an enlightening rhetoric to spread the spirit of citizenship and denounce secularism.
Egypt's prosecution has issued arrest warrants for 15 people accused of involvement in Sunday's incident, reported Ahram’s Arabic language website.
Investigations are continuing, with officials visiting the crime scene and hearing the testimony of over 20 witnesses so far.
