EGYPT — The Assiut township prosecutor has called for a Coptic student accused of publishing offensive images of Prophet Mohamed to be held for 15 days pending investigations.

Muslim residents accused the student of posting the images on his Facebook account.

Violent clashes between Muslims and Christians took place over the weekend in the villages of Baheeg, Adr, Salam and Menqebad. At least six houses owned by Copts were set on fire after the incident was publicized.

Angry villagers and security forces hurled stones at each other, which reportedly led to the injury of seven security officers. They were transferred to the police hospital in Assiut.

The student denied posting the images, claiming that they were shared on his Facebook page without his permission.