Imprisonment for Leaving Islam

A dark hall in a prison
  

Over three months ago, at least ten Libyan Christians were arrested for converting from Islam to Christianity. Two other believers, one from Nigeria and one from Pakistan, have also been arrested because of their association with these Libyan converts. All twelve arrested believers are being held on charges of proselytism (considered "instigating division" by governing officials) which carry a maximum sentence of death.

Islam remains the dominant religion in Libya and forms the basis for the country's legal system. While there is no law explicitly prohibiting religious conversions, some Muslim leaders have argued that leaving Islam is an act of apostasy, which happens to be punishable by death. For more information on the severe persecution of our Christian brothers and sisters in Libya, go to our country report.

Please pray with us that these believers will be released from custody and set free of all charges. Ask the Lord to touch the hearts of the officials responsible for their arrests – as well as those representing the country's other levels of governance – bringing about a favourable outcome for these faithful followers of Jesus and others facing similar charges. May God direct Libya's leaders, leading to a political and legal system that provides all believers protection from unjust accusations and grants them the freedom to gather for worship without the threat of imprisonment and life-threatening sentences.

  • Country Information

    Population
    7,252,573 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Berber and Arab (97), other (3)

    Religion (%)
    Muslim (96.6), Christian (2.7), Buddhist (0.3), Other (0.2) unafilliated (0.2)

    Leader
    Chairman, Presidential Council, Mohammed Al Menfi (2021)

    Government type
    In transition

    Legal system
    Libya's post-revolution legal system is in flux and driven by state and non-state entities

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Libya

    Pray that converts to Christianity will stand firm, despite the threats of suffering and death.

    Pray that strong and effective Christian resources, including Bibles and other literature, will be available in Libya.

    Pray that Libyan Christians will have a strong desire to lead others to faith in the Lord.

Libya News

  • Imprisonment for Leaving Islam
    A dark hall in a prison
      

    Over three months ago, at least ten Libyan Christians were arrested for converting from Islam to Christianity. Two other believers, one from Nigeria and one from Pakistan, have also been arrested because of their association with these Libyan converts. All twelve arrested believers are being held on charges of proselytism (considered "instigating division" by governing officials) which carry a maximum sentence of death.

  • Christian Convert Sentenced to Death for Apostasy
    Sillhouette of a man looking through a window at a city

    A Libyan appeals court has sentenced a young man to death for converting to Christianity, despite there being no official apostasy laws in the country. The name of the Christian convert, who came to faith in Jesus four years ago, has been withheld for his protection. Though the young believer has faced pressure to recant his belief in Jesus, he refuses to forsake his Christian faith.

  • Threats in the Midst of Renewed Church Growth
    Ruins of Basilica of Justinian
    Christianity was once a predominant influence in Libya, as seen in the Basilica of Justinian.
    Photo: Wikipedia / Hakeem.gadi

    Once an active centre of Christianity during the days of the early church, Libya is now known as an epicentre of persecution that's so extreme, there are few believers today remaining in the country. According to some reports, however, the number of Christ-followers is again starting to grow, despite increasing opposition from governmental leaders and families. For more information, go to our country report.

  • Warnings Against Christmas Celebrations
    Mosque in Ghadames - Photo: Wikipedia / Franzfoto
    Islam is the official religion of Libya.
    Photo: Wikipedia / Franzfoto (cc)

    A recent government campaign against the celebration of Christmas is yet another demonstration of anti-Christian activity orchestrated by the authorities in the North African nation of Libya. A movement to confiscate Christmas decorations from stores was lauded by governing officials on the national news agency. In one city, local police shut down all stores that were selling the seasonal decorations.