Easter prayers begin in Egypt one week after explosions killed 45

Easter prayers have begun amid tight security, in Egypt, one week after attacks claimed the lives of at least 45 in Tanta and Alexandria.

Christians arriving for prayers were defiant but some directed criticism to security forces.

Following the attacks, the government introduced a three-month state of emergency which gives it sweeping powers to act against what it calls enemies of the state.

Religious minorities are increasingly targeted by Sunni Islamist militants, posing a challenge to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who has pledged to protect them as part of his campaign against extremism.

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So-called Islamic State terror group claimed responsibility for the attacks on Palm Sunday

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