Coptic blogger Maikel Nabil has been sentenced to two years in military prison on Wednesday and fined LE200 (US$30.3). The verdict was returned by a C28 military court Wednesday after the case was adjourned five times over the past few months.

A judge representing the public prosecutor’s office agreed on Thursday to release 27 out of 28 suspects in the case of the 9 October Maspero violence, in which 31 people were killed when the military and police attacked protesters, most of whom were Copts. However, prominent blogger and activist Alaa Abd El Fattah, who was also arrested in connection with the Maspero incident, remains in detention, his father and lawyer Ahmed Seif al-Islam told Egypt Independent.

The three Christian denominations of Egypt have welcomed recent statements of Muslim Brotherhood General Guide Mohamed Badie, in which he reassured Christians that their interests will be safeguarded. “It is a good step towards positive integration between the different sects of Egyptian society,” said Andria Zaki, vice president of the Anglican Church. “I hope this is guaranteed in the new constitution.”

As the Christmas holiday approaches, seasonal bazaars are popping up around Cairo. The bazaars present the opportunity to enjoy the spirit of Christmas with your family and friends while browsing the gifts, ornaments and cookies.

A military court on Wednesday postponed the re-trial of blogger Maikel Nabil until 14 December. This is the eighth postponement since the retrial began on 1 November. Nabil has been on a hunger strike for 106 days and is surviving on water and milk. He is charged with insulting the military and spreading false information about the armed forces via his blog.

CAPERNAUM, Israel — A new trail across northern Israel offers travelers the chance to walk — or trot — through New Testament sites in the footsteps of Jesus. The newly opened Gospel Trail winds for 39 miles(62.7 kilometers), heading south from Nazareth, across gentle green hills, through Jewish and Arab towns and down to Capernaum, the fishing town where Jesus is said to have established his home base. The Tourism Ministry believes the new trail may attract up to 200,000 Christian pilgrims to northern Israel over the coming year.