E/CN.4/1993/62 page 26 Alejandro Rodríguez Castillo and Oscar Peña Rodríguez: there is no information whatever concerning persons of such names to suggest that they were the subject of criminal action or were detained. There appears to be some confusion or false information in these cases." Egypt 25. The Government of Egypt did not transmit replies concerning specific cases but on 17 February 1992 provided the following general observations concerning allegations which had been made by the Canadian Coptic Association: "1. Subjection of the Egyptian Copts to acts of genocide and expulsion by the Egyptian regime during the last two decades. 2. Subjection of the Copts to frequent acts of aggression against their private property, their institutions and their places of worship, as well as acts of sabotage, destruction and pillage, in all Egyptian towns and villages. 3. Refusal of permission for Coptic representation in the legislative authority, and the proliferation of Islamic colleges, institutes and schools for the education of Muslim children in all parts of Egypt while permission is refused for the establishment of a Coptic University. 4. Detention of members of the Christian faith, while the State authorities are making every endeavour, both directly and indirectly, to force the Copts to embrace the Islamic religion. 5. Escalating acts of aggression by extremists against Christians, including the recent looting of property belonging to members of the Christian community and the destruction of a church in the Embaba district. 6. Requirement for prior approval by the administrative authorities for the construction, repair or renovation of churches. 7. Ill-treatment of members of the Christian community in a manner that reflects inequality and persecution and implies that the community is mistrusted by the Egyptian Government. Investigation Within the context of the reply to those allegations, the following should be noted: (a) The policy of the Egyptian Government towards the members of the Christian community, their property and their holy places There are two aspects to the principle of equality. The first is the legal aspect, which is covered by the Egyptian Constitution, and the second is the practical aspect which has been respected by Egyptian society for thousands of years, as can be seen from its civilization in which this principle is closely linked to its culture, its traditions and its heritage. In this connection, reference can be made to the following: