Egyptian authorities have detained two Christian men, Abdulbaqi Saeed Abdo, and Nour Girgis, without trial for more than two years after their arrests in late 2021. Their alleged crime was answering theological questions on a Facebook group called “Al Abareen,” which supports new Christians who left Islam.

Abdulbaqi Saeed Abdo:

Abdo, a Yemeni refugee married with children, was charged with joining a terrorist group, contempt for Islam, and religious discrimination. He has been denied medical treatment for heart and liver issues, despite reporting chest pains in April 2024. Abdo is currently held at the 10th Ramadan Prison under poor living conditions with limited family visits.

Abdo fled Yemen in 2014 after facing violent attacks for converting to Christianity. In Egypt, he was arrested in December 2021 for sharing his conversion story on a Christian TV program and contributing to the Al Abareen Facebook group.

Nour Girgis:

Girgis, an Egyptian national working at a pharmaceutical company, was charged with blasphemy against Islam and discussing religious conversion online. He was transferred to a terrorism unit and accused of leading Al Abareen.

Girgis endured several interrogations, emotional and physical torture, and repeated trial postponements, preventing adequate legal defense preparation. He was initially held incommunicado for 40 days after being summoned to a police station in November 2021.

Call For Action:

Christian advocacy groups and the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) have called for the immediate release of Abdo and Girgis, citing violations of their rights to religious freedom, free expression, and a fair trial under international law.