Concerns over religious freedom in Egypt have intensified with recent allegations of a government-led clampdown on minority religious groups. The advocacy organization Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has reported a series of arrests targeting those who diverge from the majority faith.
A total of 14 individuals have been detained since September 13, facing charges of “joining an illegal group” and “contempt of religion,” according to reports from the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR).
Among the first to be apprehended was Zakarya Abdulrahman, a YouTuber known as the “Mufti of Humanity.” His family and legal representatives were left in the dark about his whereabouts until he was presented before the state prosecution 10 days post-arrest.
Additional arrests have included participants in discussions on Abdulrahman’s platform, with authorities citing “national security” as the reason for their detention.
This year alone, the EIPR has documented 39 arrests of individuals from unrecognized religious communities. Among them, 17 belong to the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, with a Syrian member reportedly deported.
Lizzie Francis Brink, from ADF International, has stated that local societal pressures, rather than state actions, are primarily responsible for anti-Christian persecution. She remarked, “Among the persecuted are Egypt’s Christians, who live in a land of ancient wonders and rich history—yet face daily discrimination, harsh restrictions, and constant pressure to hide their faith.”
The EIPR highlights that while the Egyptian constitution technically upholds freedom of belief, this protection does not extend to those in unrecognized religious sects.
CSW’s CEO, Scot Bower, expressed grave concerns over the recent series of arrests. He called on Egyptian authorities, saying, “We urge the Egyptian authorities to release those who are currently in custody, and echo the EIPR in calling on the government to remove all legal and constitutional obstacles preventing unrecognised religious and belief groups from fully enjoying the constitutionally articulated right to practice religious rituals and establish places of worship as equal citizens before the law.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
