Christians concerned about Egypt’s jailed converts facing terrorism charges

Stephen J. By Bose, Chief International Correspondent of Worthy News

Cairo (meaningful news) – Christians have expressed concern about the plight of Egyptian prisoner Sayid Mansour Abdulrazik, who converted from Islam to Christianity and joined the Russian Orthodox Church in 2016.

According to religious freedom advocates, following his conversion, Abdulraziq reportedly faced harassment and intimidation from family members, the broader community, and local police.

Seeking safety, he fled to Russia, where he applied for asylum after publicly expressing his Christian faith and criticizing Islam.

However, Russian authorities later detained and imprisoned him for nearly a year before revoking his asylum and deporting him back to Egypt in 2024.

Sources said that upon his return, Egyptian authorities briefly detained him and warned him to remain silent and avoid proselytizing.

convert fee charged

Despite initially being released, Abdulrazik was arrested on July 15, 2025, at a police station in Cairo requesting identification documents showing his religious conversion.

A few days later, he was formally charged with joining a terrorist organization, inciting unrest and spreading false information.

Advocacy groups say the charges relate to his religious conversion and Christian activities rather than any criminal conduct.

While apostasy is not illegal under Egyptian law, attempts to change religious identity on official documents have often led to national security-related allegations.

Observers say such cases highlight the ongoing challenges for converts in the country.

under court investigation

A court hearing was scheduled for 21 April before Egypt’s first criminal terrorism circuit in Badr, although the outcome has not been made public.

The court, which handles terrorism-related cases, has faced criticism over transparency and due process concerns.

While awaiting trial, Abdulrazik reportedly suffered physical abuse and did not have access to adequate basic necessities, according to sources familiar with the case.

His lawyer Saeed Faiyaz, who met him in January, said the prisoners were aware of their legal status and appeared to be in relatively stable condition.

Abdulrazik has also requested permission to worship, receive a Bible, and receive communion in prison, requests that have reportedly not been granted.

calls for release

Rights advocates, including Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), have called for his immediate release and the dismissal of all charges.

CSW founding president Mervyn Thomas said earlier this year: “We are concerned that he was not allowed to attend the Coptic Orthodox Christmas Mass and we believe that all allegations against him are false.”

He urged authorities to ensure that all citizens can practice their religion or belief without fear of intimidation, harassment or legal consequences.

The case has also drawn attention to the broader pressures facing Christian converts in Egypt, many of whom face hostility and uncertainty after leaving Islam.

Egypt ranked 42nd on the 2026 World Watch List compiled by Open Doors, which tracks Christian persecution globally. The rankings reflect what researchers describe as “high” levels of pressure on Christians, especially converts, who often face hostility from families, communities, and state authorities.

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