Reports of Coptic bishop's arrest untrue
Egypt, Local, 10/13/1998

Concerning news reports that said Bishop Wissa, head of the Coptic church in El-Minya had been arrested, ArabicNews.com has found out that these reports are false.

Some of the confusion may surround a girl who was being interrogated by the police and had sought Bishop Wissa for protection. He put her in a convent, and she was not approached while she was under his protection until he allowed her out of the convent.

Bishop Wissa is currently tutoring in Muharak convent and will return to his permanent residence at El-Minya, his secretary told ArabicNews.com.

ArabicNews.com was also able to verify Bishop Wissa's secretary's statements independently, finding that he is present in Deir El-Muharak convent, where he is free and in good health going about his work.