Egypt's Security Forces 'Shut Down' Atheist Cafe For 'Satanic Worshipping'

An atheist cafe in Cairo, Egypt was reportedly raided by police recently for alleged "satanic worshipping."

The country's security forces reportedly raided the cafe, located in Cairo's Abdeen neighborhood, after arguing that the storefront was known as a place for satanic worship and drug use, rather than atheist study.

"There was no sign reading 'atheists' cafe' outside, as nobody would put up such a public announcement. However, it was popularly known as a place for Satan worship, rituals and dances. There were also Satanic drawings at the entrance," Gamal Mohi, chief of the local police municipality, told the IB Times.

Locals are arguing that the police force targeted the cafe for no reason, adding that there was nothing devious happening at the small coffee shop, located in a popular area of the country's capital.

"It's a popular downtown spot, but there is really nothing special about it. That's the thing about Egypt today — you don't know why one place gets raided and another place doesn't, everyone is on edge, everyone feels like they are in danger from authorities," Mohamed Walid, a Cairo University student who frequented the shop, told Buzzfeed News.

Mohi confirmed during a press conference that the shop had not been demolished, as some media outlets were reporting.

The police chief said the cafe was shut down "following noise complaints from local residents".

"There was no demolition involved, only confiscation of the coffee shop's property," he said. "This was all done in accordance with the law and legal procedures."