American Coptic Christians have coordinated demonstrations to voice their concerns over the vast increase of sectarian violence toward Christian minorities in Egypt. The rallies will be held in New York and Chicago on December 14th, and Los Angeles on December 27th. Anti-Christian clashes have hit a boiling point in upper Egypt and in villages throughout the country. The Egyptian government has refused to intervene, leaving Copts defenseless at the hands of Muslim mobs. Egypt's government has committed grave violations of human rights by failing to protect the Coptic minority and forcing the deportation of Copts from villages where anti-Christian attacks have occurred. The government has also ignored the abduction and incarceration of Coptic women by Muslim men, an overt abuse on women which directly corresponds with the UN's definition of human trafficking. Aidan Clay, ICC Regional Manager for the Middle East, said "These rallies will bring awareness to the flagrant rise of persecution against the Coptic Christian minority under Islamic-based coercion. ICC backs the American Coptic community in condemning the Egyptian government for deliberately allowing human rights abuses toward Christians to continue without penalty. We encourage Christians in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles to join the rallies in support of fellow Christians who are suffering in Egypt."