Convert to Christianity Attacked by Muslim Relatives, Tortured by Police

Alexandria, EgyptOn July 16, Eman Muhammad el-Sayed (26), a Christian convert from Islam, was attacked by her male Muslim family members in Alexandria and arrested by the police who then tortured her for eight days. According to a July 24 report from Compass Direct, el-Sayed was at a local fair with her husband when her relatives grabbed her, beat her and tried to kidnap her in a car. They also vowed to kill her. Police intervened, claiming that they would take her into "protective custody." She was detained at the local station where she was beaten, electrocuted on several sensitive parts of her body and photographed naked. She was also interrogated about her Christian identity papers, which were forged when she married a Christian man in 2003. Egyptian law forbids a Muslim from changing religions and forbids a Muslim woman from marrying a Christian. Police refused to press charges against her relatives. On July 23 she was handed her over to her Muslim family members, who severely beat her behind the station before driving off with her.

Pray for Eman's safety. Pray for her husband at this time and pray that Eman will be able to join him soon. Pray that her family members will come to know Christ as Lord.

For more information on persecution in Egypt, go to the Egypt Country Report.

  • Country Information

    Population
    109,546,720 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Egyptian (99.7), other (0.3)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (90), Christianity (10)

    Leader
    President Abdelfattah Said El-Sisi (2014)

    Government type
    Presidential republic

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system based on Napoleonic civil and penal law, Islamic religious law, and vestiges of colonial-era laws

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Egypt

    Pray on behalf of those who are facing economic and social challenges because of their Christian faith. Ask the Lord to provide for their spiritual and practical needs – further strengthening and emboldening them so they can effectively share the message of the Gospel with others in their communities. May the hearts of those who hear it be open and receptive to the wonderful truths contained in God’s Word.

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