The struggle for religious freedom is a critical issue worldwide, especially for Christians in predominantly Islamic countries. While discussions in the West often focus on the rights of Muslims, many Christians face severe restrictions and persecution in places like Egypt. A recent case highlights this troubling reality.
Saeed Abu Mustafa, a 30-year-old man, has faced extreme hardship for his Christian faith. After converting to Christianity in 2018, Saeed has endured torture, isolation, and persecution. His journey began with a quest for knowledge about different religions, which ultimately led him to embrace Christianity and join the Russian Orthodox Church. However, this decision came at a high cost. His family and community rejected him, and Egyptian authorities labeled him a threat.
In 2019, seeking safety, Saeed fled to Russia, where he applied for asylum. Unfortunately, after an altercation on social media, he was imprisoned and later deported back to Egypt, despite holding a UN refugee certificate. Upon his return, Egyptian authorities arrested him again, subjecting him to further torture and intimidation.
Saeed’s situation worsened in July 2025 when he attempted to update his official identification to reflect his Christian faith. In Egypt, religion is linked to identity on crucial documents. On July 15, plainclothes agents arrested him in his Cairo apartment, charging him with absurd accusations, including "membership in a banned group" and "contempt of the Islamic religion."
His legal proceedings have been a farce. Saeed’s hearings were held via video conference, and his lawyer was denied access to him. Basic rights were ignored, leaving him vulnerable and without proper legal representation. His lawyer expressed grave concerns for Saeed’s safety, noting that he is imprisoned alongside Islamic extremists.
Saeed’s fiancé, Sophie, lamented the injustice of his treatment, questioning why a man should suffer for his faith in 2025. She emphasized the need for freedom of belief for all individuals, regardless of their religion.
Saeed’s story is not isolated. Many others have faced similar fates in Egypt. Past cases include individuals who have been tortured or forced into hiding after converting from Islam to Christianity. The Egyptian constitution promises freedom of belief, yet the reality is that Islamic law often takes precedence, leading to persecution of those who convert.
Egypt receives significant financial aid from the United States, which labels it a partner in promoting stability. However, critics argue that a country that imprisons individuals for their faith cannot truly be considered a partner in freedom. They call for the U.S. to take a stand for religious liberty and demand the release of those like Saeed.
In the face of ongoing persecution, Saeed’s plight serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by religious minorities. His story underscores the need for greater awareness and action to protect the rights of individuals to practice their faith freely.
