A lawyer for ADF International has told of her recent visit to Egypt where she learned more concerning the ongoing persecution of the most important Christian population within the Middle East.
Egypt has a population of around 111 million people, of whom 90% are Sunni Muslim and 10% (representing 11 million people) are Christian. Despite their large numbers and the Egyptian structure officially granting “absolute” freedom of faith, Christians in Egypt face significant persecution from the Islamic majority.
Lizzie Francis Brink, legal counsel for global religious freedom at ADF International, said that almost all persecution in Egypt doesn’t come directly from the federal government, but from the bulk Muslim population.
She said, “Among the persecuted are Egypt’s Christians, who live in a land of ancient wonders and wealthy history—yet face day by day discrimination, harsh restrictions, and constant pressure to cover their faith. Despite Egypt’s status as a cultural and historical giant in Africa, it stays an ongoing struggle for a lot of believers.”
Brink learned that the southern region of the country is especially difficult, because it is more heavily influenced by Islamic extremist groups, akin to the Salafi al-Nour party, which has a robust presence within the region, despite official bans.
Christians, especially those in rural areas, can face anything from employment discrimination and bullying in school to sexual violence and bombing campaigns. The authorities often turn a blind eye to such incidents and in addition do little to facilitate the constructing of latest Christian places of worship.
Converts from Islam to Christianity can face even greater difficulties. The state makes it practically inconceivable to officially change one’s religion from Islam to anything. Converts have also been known to face arrest by the safety services and also can fall foul of the country’s blasphemy laws, in addition to experiencing the pain of being ostracised from their families and communities.
One such case highlighted by Brink is Abdulbaqi Abdo. Abdo is a Yemeni-born convert to Christianity. He was arrested in 2021 for “joining a terrorist group with knowledge of its purposes” and “contempt of the Islamic religion”. What he had actually done was develop into involved with a Facebook group for Muslim converts to Christianity.
Abdo was moved around Egypt’s notoriously harsh prison system and was often denied visits from his family and legal team. Last yr he said he would begin a hunger strike and refuse medical treatment.
Thankfully nonetheless, ADF International lobbied on his behalf in front of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. As a result, Abdo was released in January and has since moved to a different country. ADF has continued supporting him, nonetheless, as his case officially stays open.
Brink met with each Christians and lawyers during her visit in March. She praised their courage and steadfastness.
“Egypt’s Christians live under constant pressure—from discriminatory laws, violent attacks, and systemic injustice. Despite constitutional guarantees and international treaties meant to guard religious freedom, the truth presents critical challenges,” she said.
“Yet, within the face of such hardship, the courage and resilience of Egypt’s Christian community are a robust testament to the enduring hope of the Gospel. During my trip, I witnessed that hope firsthand.”
