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Persecution News - Egypt

Update: Court hearing scheduled for Christian convert from Islam
(February 25, 2010)

Update: Christian youths tortured by officials
(February 25, 2010)

Update: Further attacks on Christian community
(January 14, 2010)

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)

Convert arrested for marrying a Christian
(April 29, 2009)

Update: Christian obtains conversion certificate
(April 15, 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

Update: Christian mother retains custody of twin boys

June 24, 2009

Photo from Compass Direct

On June 15, the Egyptian Court of Cessation ruled that Mario and Andrew, 13-year-old twin boys whose religion was changed to Islam on their birth certificates when their father became a Muslim (click here for the details), will remain with their Christian mother. According to Assyrian International News Agency, the boys will continue to be considered Muslims until they are 15, even though they profess that they are Christians. The boys' mother is reportedly planning to file a case with the Supreme Administrative Court to ensure that her sons are able to choose their religion when they turn 15.

To learn more about the opposition of Christians in Egypt, visit the Egypt Country Report.