A Christian convert in Egypt has been charged with terrorism and spreading false information after requesting that his national ID reflect his new faith.
Saeid Mansour Abdulraziq was formally charged on 22 July by Egypt’s State Security Court with “joining a terrorist organisation”, “stirring unrest", and “spreading false news".
The charges came just days after he visited a Cairo police station on 15th July to seek assistance in updating his identification documents to reflect his conversion from Islam to Christianity, according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).
Mr Abdulraziq converted to Christianity in 2016 and became a member of the Russian Orthodox Church in Egypt. He has faced rejection from his family, societal hostility, and police harassment for publicly sharing his Christian faith.
In 2018, he travelled to Russia, where he sought asylum and began criticising Islam. His public remarks sparked controversy among segments of Russia’s Muslim population, leading to his arrest and a one-year prison sentence. After serving his sentence, he was deported back to Egypt in 2024.
Upon his return, Egyptian authorities detained and questioned him but released him after a few hours, warning him to remain quiet and refrain from proselytising. Despite a campaign by Islamist groups calling for his arrest, he remained free until his recent request to change his ID sparked renewed scrutiny.
He was arrested at the Al-Matareiah police station in Cairo and subsequently brought before the state security prosecution, where the charges were filed.
Cairo-based Christian lawyer Saeid Fayaz told CSW (Christian Solidarity Worldwide) that Mr Abdulraziq’s case reflects the broader plight of Christian converts in Egypt. “Thousands of Christian converts in Egypt have no rights and receive little support,” he said. “They live in isolation and constant fear. Saeid believed in the Egyptian constitution which provides for religious freedom, not realising that it is a one-way freedom.”
CSW Founder President Mervyn Thomas condemned the charges. “Mr Abdulraziq has committed no crime and is being penalised for exercising his right to change religion and for asking for this change to be registered in his official documentation, which is permitted under the Egyptian constitution,” he said.
Thomas acknowledged recent efforts by Egyptian authorities to promote religious freedom but said discrimination persists. “Despite the personal commitment of President Sisi to fight injustice and promote equality of citizenship, an unacceptable culture of intimidation and discrimination towards converts continues,” he added.
CSW is calling for Mr Abdulraziq’s immediate and unconditional release, urging the Egyptian government to uphold constitutional guarantees and ensure all citizens are free to practise the religion or belief of their choice without fear of intimidation, harassment or violence.
