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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

Two Christians arrested following church attack

July 22, 2009

Ezbet Basillious
Images from U.S. Copts Association

Police have arrested a Coptic Christian man and woman for allegedly burning down their own house church in the village of Ezbet Basillious, Egypt on July 11, according to a July 17 report from Compass Direct. Christians in the village believe that the arson attack and subsequent arrests of the believers indicate local police corruption and collusion.

When the Church of St. Abaskharion Kellini was set ablaze, the guards stationed at the church had left their posts. The perpetrators reportedly entered the church building through a connecting door from the adjoining residence -- the home of Fulla Assad (30). It took approximately two hours for police to arrive at the church. Assad, her mother-in-law and Reda Gamal (35) were later taken to the police station for questioning. Assad and Gamal have since been arrested and remained in custody at last report. The Egyptian State Security Investigations officers have since followed up on eyewitness testimonies ignored by local police and have arrested three Muslim suspects who were seen entering the church with cans of kerosene and leaving shortly afterwards shouting "Allahu Akbar [God is great]."

Pray that those who are truly guilty will be brought to justice. Pray that Gamal and Assad will be bold witnesses for Christ while in detention. Ask God to encourage and strengthen the Christians in Ezbet Basillious.

To learn more about Egypt's persecuted Christians, click here.