Photo: ADF International
In October 2025, Dr. Augustin Sam'an was arrested and charged with "contempt of Islam" due to the content he shared on his YouTube channel. (More details about his situation are available here.) As a result of the subsequent trial, this Christian scholar/apologist was sentenced on January 3rd to five years of hard labour. Not only were the court proceedings conducted in secret, without due notification given to his family or lawyers, but he was also denied access to legal defence. Finally, Dr. Augustin's lawyers were granted access to the file relating to his case on February 11th.
On April 24th, Dr. Augustin filed an appeal against his conviction, citing "significant procedural issues." A spokesperson for Coptic Solidarity, an advocacy group dedicated to defending the rights of Coptic Christians in Egypt, stated that "this is not a legitimate judicial proceeding." Tragically, Dr. Augustin's case is not unique. Since August 2025, dozens of other individuals affiliated with various religious minority groups have been arrested due to their online religious content.
While Egypt's constitution guarantees freedom of religion, the country's blasphemy laws have been disproportionately used to target Christians. These laws are described by critics as "a sword used solely to protect Islam and Muslims." To access other reports addressing the challenges encountered by believers in Egypt, go to our country profile.
- Pray that God will providentially guide and strengthen the defence attorneys representing Dr. Augustin, granting them wisdom, clarity and favour as they advocate on his behalf.
- Ask the Lord to work within Egypt's governmental and judicial systems, leading officials to uphold laws that truly honour the country's constitution regarding religious freedom, and thus ensure all citizens are treated with fairness, respect and equality.
- May believers in Egypt be further encouraged to continue boldly and compassionately sharing the message of the Gospel with others, knowing that the Holy Spirit can minister in meaningful ways through their divinely inspired words and witness.
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