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Christian youths who were arrested without warrants following an attack on believers leaving a Christmas Eve midnight mass service in Nag Hammadi, Egypt (click here for more information) have reportedly been severely tortured at the hands of authorities. Fifteen of the dozens of Christians arrested remain in detention and have been charged with "rioting and resisting the authorities." Several youths who were released stated that they were severely tortured by officials and were ordered to falsely testify that Bishop Kyrollos, the Coptic Bishop of Nag Hammadi, had incited them to make demonstrations.
One of the released, Bola (18), stated, "We had to take our clothes off, and we were electrocuted with electrodes in our private parts for eight hours. Electric shocks only stopped when we could take it no longer -- only to be resumed again." A 17-year-old, Reziky, added, "We were threatened by security that if we disclosed what went on, we will be re-arrested." According to a family member of another released Christian, many of the youths have been made infertile because of the torture. The majority of the released teenagers are undergoing medical treatment, including being fitted with catheters in order to urinate. (Source: Assyrian International News Agency)
Pray for physical and emotional healing for these young men. Pray that they and their loved ones will remain steadfast in their faith (1 Peter 5:8-10). Pray that those who tortured them will repent and come to Christ. Pray that authorities will act justly in this case. Pray for strength and safety for the 15 who remain in detention.
For more information on how Christians suffer in Egypt, go to the Egypt Country Report.
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