by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
CAIRO (Worthy News) – Christians have expressed concern about the plight of Egyptian prisoner Saeid Mansour Abdulraziq, who converted from Islam to Christianity in 2016, joining the Russian Orthodox Church.
Following his conversion, Abdulraziq reportedly faced harassment and intimidation from family members, the wider community, and local police, according to religious freedom advocates.
Seeking safety, he fled to Russia, where he applied for asylum after publicly expressing his Christian faith and criticizing Islam.
However, Russian authorities later detained and imprisoned him for about a year before revoking his asylum and deporting him back to Egypt in 2024.
Upon his return, Egyptian authorities briefly detained and warned him to remain silent and avoid proselytizing, sources said.
CONVERT CHARGED
Despite initially being released, Abdulraziq was arrested on July 15, 2025, at a police station in Cairo while requesting identification documents reflecting his change of religion.
He was formally charged days later with joining a terrorist organization, stirring unrest, and spreading false information.
Advocacy groups say the accusations are linked to his conversion and Christian activities rather than any criminal conduct.
While apostasy is not illegal under Egyptian law, attempts to change religious identity on official documents have often triggered national security-related charges.
Observers say such cases highlight ongoing challenges for religious converts in the country.
COURT UNDER SCRUTINY
A court hearing was scheduled for April 21 before Egypt’s First Criminal Terrorism Circuit in Badr, though the outcome has not been made public.
The court, which handles terrorism-related cases, has faced criticism over transparency and due process concerns.
While awaiting proceedings, Abdulraziq has reportedly suffered physical abuse and lacks access to adequate basic necessities, according to sources familiar with the case.
His lawyer, Saeid Fayaz, who met him in January, said the prisoner remained aware of his legal situation and appeared in relatively stable condition.
Abdulraziq has also requested permission to worship in prison, obtain a Bible, and receive communion, requests that have reportedly not been granted.
CALLS FOR RELEASE
Rights advocates, including Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), have called for his immediate release and the dismissal of all charges.
CSW Founder President Mervyn Thomas said earlier this year: “We are concerned that he was not permitted to attend a Coptic Orthodox Christmas mass and maintain that all charges against him are false.”
He urged authorities to ensure that all citizens can practice their religion or belief without fear of intimidation, harassment, or legal repercussions.
The case has also drawn attention to broader pressures facing Christian converts in Egypt, many of whom encounter hostility and uncertainty after leaving Islam.
Egypt ranks 42nd on the 2026 World Watch List compiled by Open Doors, which tracks Christian persecution globally. The ranking reflects what researchers describe as “high” levels of pressure on Christians, particularly converts, who often face hostility from families, communities, and state authorities.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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