Fracas breaks out at Church of the Holy Sepulcher

A violent brawl broke out Monday afternoon at Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulcher between Catholics over religious rights at the church, police said.

Police forces were called in to separate Franciscans and Greek Orthodox priests after they got into a fight over who would open the door of the church. Several people were lightly wounded by blows, and several suspects were detained for assault. After police intervened, the religious ceremony continued and calm was restored.

The church is the scene of periodic brawls between various Christian sects who share control over the church, as to who will take the lead in such religious ceremonies.

The site is revered by some Christian sects as the place where Jesus Christ is buried.