Christian Rights Activists Arrested by Police
Dr. Adel Fawzy Faltas (61) and Peter Ezzat (23), two members of an international Christian rights organization, Middle East Christian Association (MECA), were arrested by the police in Cairo on August 8. The men were reportedly arrested in connection with the case of Mohammed Hegazy, a Christian convert from Islam who is currently in a court battle to have his conversion legally recognized (for more details see last week's P&P story on Hegazy, click here). According to MECA's international leader, Nader Fawzy, the arrests are a part of an effort to stop the work of the organization in Egypt.
Mohammed Hegazy
Photo from Compass Direct

Faltas, the leader of the MECA's Egyptian branch, was arrested in his home at approximately 2:40 p.m. after he had held a highly public online chat session with Hegazy in which details of his case were publicized. The police barged into Faltas' home, destroyed his property and confiscated his computers along with some books. Faltas was blindfolded, handcuffed and led away in a police car. In a separate incident, police arrested MECA group member, Peter Ezzat, in his home. His computer was also confiscated.

The men are accused of insulting Islam, destroying the reputation of Egypt, converting Muslims to Christianity and having contact with a foreign organization. They are expected to face charges relating to an allegedly anti-Islamic message posted on a Christian website. At last report, both men were being transferred to the State Security Investigation headquarters in Lazoghly.

Pray that these believers will be released. Pray that they will be able to maintain a consistent walk with God during this difficult time. Pray for protection for other Christian workers who are serving the Lord in Egypt.

For more information on persecution in Egypt, click here. Adele Konyndyk has posted some further thoughts related to this story on VOMC'S weblog.


(Persecution and Prayer Alert - August 15, 2007)


Copyright 2007
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada

Go To Home Page