A court in Egypt has postponed the trial of a Christian convert facing terrorism-related charges until September.
Saeid Mansour Abdulraziq has been in detention since July 2025, after applying for official identity documents recognising his conversion from Islam to Christianity. He was later charged with joining a terrorist organisation, stirring unrest and spreading false news, allegations which he denies.
During a hearing before a State Security Court in Cairo last month, prosecutors were expected to present witnesses, with the defence given the opportunity to cross-examine them. However, the witnesses were not heard, and the court adjourned the proceedings.
Mr Abdulraziq's lawyer, Saeid Fayez, said cross-examining witnesses was a vital stage of any criminal trial, allowing the defence to test the prosecution's evidence and helping to safeguard the defendant's right to a fair trial.
The case has attracted attention from human rights organisations, whose representatives attended the hearing alongside Mr Abdulraziq's legal team.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), who are monitoring the case, says Mr Abdulraziq is being prosecuted because of his decision to change his religion and seek official recognition of that change.
CSW founder Mervyn Thomas called for Mr Abdulraziq's unconditional release, saying he had "committed no crime" and urging the Egyptian authorities to do more to address discrimination against religious converts.
The trial is due to resume on 6 September.