U.S. Lawmaker Highlights Plight of Christian Man Imprisoned in Egypt Over Facebook Posts

Latest Developments

The plight of a Yemeni man imprisoned in Egypt for participating in a Facebook group composed of Muslim converts to Christianity has been highlighted by a prominent U.S. lawmaker. In a statement issued on August 18, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Global Human Rights Subcommittee, accused the Egyptian authorities of “a grave and grotesque” violation of the rights of the prisoner,  Abdulbaqi Saeed Abdo, and called for his immediate release. 

Abdo has been held in pre-trial detention without charges being brought for nearly three years. In a handwritten letter to his wife and children dated August 7, Abdo said that he was beginning a hunger strike because “they arrested me without any legal justification.” A convert to Christianity, Abdo has been living in Egypt as a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) registered asylum seeker following death threats he received in Yemen as a result of his decision to leave Islam. In addition to Abdo, an Egyptian Coptic Christian, Nour Girgis, is also in detention.

Expert Analysis

“Egypt’s imprisonment of this Christian refugee is a gross violation of fundamental human rights and freedom of expression. The Sisi regime is a repeat offender when it comes to religious and human rights, and this case only puts a spotlight on these abuses. The United States should hold Egypt accountable by imposing targeted sanctions and calling for international scrutiny to pressure Cairo into reforming its oppressive blasphemy laws.”  — Clifford D. May, FDD Founder and President

“This case underscores the urgent need for American leadership in upholding human rights and religious freedom worldwide. These are not just lofty ideals; they are critical for maintaining stability and security across the Middle East. The U.S. government ought to leverage diplomatic channels to press the Egyptian authorities for Abdo and Nour’s immediate release and advocate for reforms that protect freedom of expression.” — Mariam Wahba, FDD Research Analyst

Abdo Case Sheds Light on Persecution of Religious Minorities in Egypt

Abdo’s case has underlined the restrictions on religious practice and free speech encountered by Christians and other minorities in Egypt. He was reportedly arrested in 2021 for participating in a discussion of Christian theology in a private Facebook group chat called “Al Abareen,” which means “to cross over.”

Egypt often invokes harsh blasphemy laws to target its religious and ethnic minorities, especially Christians. While these laws prohibit ridiculing or insulting the “divinely revealed” religions of Sunni Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, an estimated 90 percent of blasphemy charges are brought against Christians.

In addition, converts to Christianity are not recognized under Egyptian law. Religious practices that conflict with the government’s interpretation of Islamic Sharia law are prohibited. Under some interpretations of Islamic law, conversion from Islam to another religion is considered apostasy.

Related Analysis

“Cairo’s double game in Gaza,” By Haisam Hassanein

“Israel and the U.S. Need to Get Tough on Egypt,” by Reuel Marc Gerecht

“Egyptian Firm Linked to Government Profits from Palestinians Leaving Gaza,” FDD Flash Brief