Concerned Christians in Egypt have requested prayer regarding a legal case in which two young boys were accused of defacing pages of a Quran. The incident was reported to have taken place last September in the Beni Suef province of Egypt. A local imam from their home village of Ezbet Marko by the name of Ibrahim Mohamed Ali has accused the children of tearing the pages of a Quran. Nine-year-old Mina Nady Farag and ten-year-old Nabil Nagy Rizk explained that they came across the pages of the Quran in some rubbish while playing and were unaware of what it was as they couldn't read it.
After an October 2012 meeting, involving local Christians and an outcry from the international community, President Morsi granted the boys pardon. However, as of January 2013, it was announced that the case was to continue under Article 160 of the penal code which criminalizes damage to or violation of religious "buildings, symbols or other objects."
Despite the prosecution presenting evidence to the contrary during a January 28th hearing, the court ruled on February 4th that the boys were to be released to their parents without an acquittal. This means they are considered legally guilty but are too young to face punishment. Although the families appealed the decision, an appeal court has ruled that there are no grounds for an appeal, confirming the indictment. To read more about Iran's political stance, see our Egypt Country Report. For a brief video report featuring other testimonies, click here.
Through the compassion and healing of Jesus, may these two boys and their families overcome this painful ordeal and be filled with a renewed hope for the future. Pray that the Lord's peace and presence will strengthen all who have been unjustly convicted of blasphemy while they patiently await His vindication. Also pray that the Christians and Muslims of this community will reside harmoniously together with mutual respect and understanding, and that the laws of their land be altered to adequately reflect these important principles.
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