A convert from Islam to Christianity is being held in a mental hospital against his will until he recants his faith and returns to Islam, according to a May 13 report from Compass Direct. Gaser Mohammed Mahmoud (30) converted to Christianity two years ago, but kept quiet about his faith on the advice of a Coptic monk. Finally, he said, "My new love for Jesus pushed me to talk with my mother about it." As a result, Gaser's parents had him committed to the El-Khanka Hospital near Cairo on January 10. His situation has just recently come to light.
Since his confinement, he has reportedly been beaten, whipped and given potentially fatal injections. The hospital is refusing to admit any known Christian acquaintances to visit him. He is under the care of Dr. Nevine, who has been described by sources in Egypt as a "fanatic Muslim."
Muslims in Egypt do not have the legal right to change their religion, though religious minorities may freely convert to Islam. Those suspected of converting to Christianity face regular harassment and sometimes arrest.
Pray that Gaser will be released and that his "treatment" will not cause permanent damage. Pray that freedom of religion will be respected in Egypt.
For more information on the difficulties facing Christians in Egypt, click here.
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