Coptic Christians marched peacefully late on Tuesday in two Egyptian cities to protest against the recent church bombing in Alexandria, which left 23 people dead and dozens injured.

According to recent reports, 23 people were killed in a blast that occurred near a crowded Coptic Christian church in Alexandria early on Saturday. The explosion, which also injured at least 97 people, took place as worshippers were leaving the church after a holiday Mass.

Hundreds of Christians marched in Cairo's Shubra neighborhood, carrying crosses and chanting "With my blood and my soul I will defend the cross," CNN said. They were met by riot police, but no violence was reported.

About 500 protestors gathered in Assuit, a city with Egypt's largest Coptic Christian community, Associated Press said. Some of the protestors threw rocks at riot police, but no clashes followed.

International terrorist group al-Qaeda earlier threatened Egyptian Christians, who account for approximately 10% of Egypt's population of 80 million, with an attack.

MOSCOW, January 5 (RIA Novosti)