Egyptian Convert to Christianity Faces Terrorism Trial, Allegations of Abuse in Detention

CAIRO — An Egyptian man who converted from Islam to Christianity is facing prosecution before a terrorism court in Cairo, in a case that has renewed international scrutiny of religious freedom in the country.

The man, Said Mansour Rezk Abdelrazek, has been in detention since July 15, 2025, and is scheduled to appear for a further hearing on June 15, 2026, before the First Circuit Terrorism Court in Badr. A previous hearing in April was adjourned to allow his legal team additional time to prepare a defense.

Mr. Abdelrazek faces a series of serious charges, including insulting Islam, spreading false information and joining a banned organization. Human rights groups, however, argue that the charges are closely tied to his religious conversion and his online expression of that decision.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has designated Mr. Abdelrazek a “prisoner of conscience,” a term used for individuals imprisoned for their beliefs without having engaged in violence.

During his detention at 10th of Ramadan Prison, Mr. Abdelrazek has reportedly been subjected to inhumane conditions. Rights organizations say he has been denied adequate food, clothing and medical care, and has allegedly endured physical and psychological abuse.

Advocacy reports further claim that he was forced to undergo painful procedures to remove a cross tattoo and was suspended for hours in a position resembling crucifixion. These allegations could not be independently verified.

Mr. Abdelrazek’s case dates back to his decision to convert in 2016. He later fled to Russia, where he obtained international protection, but was deported to Egypt in 2024 — a move that rights groups have criticized as a violation of the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to countries where they risk persecution.

Upon his return, he was initially released on the condition that he refrain from publicly expressing his beliefs. He was rearrested in July 2025 after attempting to change his religious status on official documents and resuming activity on social media.

Several international organizations, including the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies and Coptic Solidarity, have called on Egyptian authorities to release him. They have also urged the Australian government to consider granting him a humanitarian visa so he may join his fiancée there.

The case underscores the continuing challenges surrounding religious freedom in Egypt. While the country’s constitution formally guarantees freedom of belief, human rights groups say that, in practice, restrictions persist — particularly for those who convert from Islam to other religions. []