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Persecution News - Egypt

Seven people killed
(January 07, 2010)

Muslim mobs attack Coptic Christians
(November 25, 2009)

Christian woman kidnapped, believers assaulted
(October 07, 2009)

Update: Convert to Christianity barred from leaving Egypt
(September 30, 2009)

Christian murdered, others wounded
(September 23, 2009)

Two Coptic girls kidnapped by suspected Muslims
(August 05, 2009)

Two Christians arrested following church attack
(July 22, 2009)

Christians attacked by Muslims
(June 30, 2009)

Update: Christian mother retains custody of twin boys
(June 24, 2009)

Update: Court rejects case of convert from Islam
(June 17, 2009)

Update: Christian brothers re-arrested
(June 03, 2009)

Christian man kidnapped by Muslims
(May 20, 2009)

Egypt Profile

Total Area:
1,001,450 sq. km

Population:
81,713,517 (July 2008 est.)

Ethnicity:
Egyptian 98%, Berber, Nubian, Bedouin and Beja 1%, Greek, Armenian and other European 1%

Language:
Arabic (official), English and French widely understood by educated classes

Religion:
Muslim (mostly Sunni) 90%, Coptic 9%, other Christian 1%

Government Type:
Republic

Capital:
Cairo

Population Below Poverty Line:
20% (2005 est.)

Country Reports

Court Refuses to Rule in Case of Muslim Convert to Christianity

January 30, 2008

_{^{Mohammed Hegazy
Photo from}}_{^{Compass Direct}}

On January 29, an Egyptian court refused to rule in a case filed by Mohammed Hegazy (25), a convert who is seeking legal recognition of his conversion from Islam to Christianity. The judges said that Hegazy had not followed the proper legal procedures and stated that, in any case, people cannot convert to "an older religion." "Monotheistic religions were sent by God in chronological order," the court said. "As a result, it is unusual to go from the latest religion to the one that preceded it.... The person who has such an attitude is straying from the right path and threatening the principles, values and precepts of Islam and of Egyptian traditions." Hegazy's decision to file the case in August was related to the birth of his daughter who was born on January 10. If Hegazy does not legally change his religious affiliation, current Egyptian law dictates that his daughter will have to inherit Islam and marry a Muslim man. Hegazy reportedly intends to take his case to Egypt's Supreme Court.

Pray for the Lord to give Hegazy wisdom and guidance as he plans to take his case to a higher court. Pray that he will find peace in knowing that true justice comes from the Lord (Proverbs 29:26).

For more information on the persecution of Christians in Egypt, go to the Egypt Country Report.