Christian Man Imprisoned, Hung in Crucifixion Position for Converting to Christianity in Egypt
The trial of an Egyptian Christian man imprisoned on charges related to his conversion from Islam and his attempt to change his religious designation on identity papers opened last week in Cairo.
Said Mansour Rezk Abdelrazek was arrested in July under “terrorism” related charges. Apostasy is not illegal in Egypt, but changing the religious designation on official identity documents is practically impossible and leaves converts open to prosecution as a “national security threat.”
Prosecutors brought multiple charges against Abdelrazek, according to advocacy group Coptic Solidarity, including establishing and leading a group in violation of the law; joining a group that was allegedly founded unlawfully; financing the group; promoting ideas and beliefs deemed “harmful to national unity and social peace,” and showing contempt for Islam and challenging its fundamental principles.
Abdelrazek’s legal team on April 21 submitted several key motions, including requests to adjourn the proceedings in order to prepare a full defense, according to Coptic Solidarity. The court granted the adjournment and scheduled the next hearing for June 15.
Abdelrazek has been held in Cairo’s 10th of Ramadan Prison, where he has reportedly been deprived of basic necessities, including adequate food, clothing and medical care and hung in a “crucifixion” position. (Read more from “Christian Man Imprisoned, Hung in Crucifixion Position for Converting to Christianity in Egypt” HERE)
