Upcoming Trial Threatens Egyptian Christian Convert

An Egyptian Christian convert and internationally recognized prisoner of conscience, Said Abdelrazek, is facing an imminent court hearing that advocates warn could determine whether he lives or disappears into Egypt’s notorious detention system. 

Abdelrazek, a convert from Islam to Christianity, is scheduled to appear on April 21 before Egypt’s First Criminal Terrorism Circuit in Badr, a court widely criticized by human rights observers for its lack of due process and opaque proceedings. Authorities have charged him with terrorism-related offenses, which supporters say stem solely from his religious conversion and his attempt to legally change his identity documents to reflect his Christian faith. 

International advocates and family members describe the case as emblematic of the risks faced by religious converts in Egypt, where apostasy — leaving Islam for another faith — is not formally codified as a crime but is often prosecuted under broadly defined security charges. 

The Badr court complex, where Abdelrazek’s hearing will take place, has drawn increasing concern from international observers. Critics argue that its terrorism circuits operate with minimal transparency and routinely deny defendants basic legal protections. 

According to reporting from human rights organizations, individuals brought before these courts often face prolonged pretrial detention, limited access to counsel, and proceedings that fall short of international fair trial standards. 

Lack of Protections 

Abdelrazek’s case has been highlighted by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which has designated him a religious prisoner of conscience — an individual imprisoned for their beliefs or identity without having committed or advocated violence. 

Abdelrazek is currently detained in Egypt’s 10th of Ramadan Prison, where reports indicate he has been subjected to physical abuse and deprived of adequate food, medical care, and other necessities. Such conditions are consistent with longstanding concerns about prison conditions in Egypt — particularly for those held on political or religious grounds. 

Advocacy groups warn that continued detention under these conditions poses a serious threat to his health and safety. 

The case also raises troubling questions about the international system meant to protect vulnerable refugees. 

Despite holding certification from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Abdelrazek was forcibly returned to Egypt from Russia — a move widely condemned as illegal refoulement. Refoulement, prohibited under international legal standards, involves returning individuals to countries where they face the threat of continued persecution. 

Compounding concerns, advocates say that a pending humanitarian visa application to Australia — filed in May 2024 — has yet to result in decisive action. Abdelrazek’s fiancée, an Australian citizen, has publicly appealed for urgent intervention, criticizing what she describes as Australia’s lack of meaningful diplomatic engagement, according to correspondence reviewed by International Christian Concern. 

Calls for Urgent Action 

Human rights defenders are urging governments and international coalitions to act swiftly ahead of the April 21 hearing. 

Among the key requests are calls for Australia to expedite Abdelrazek’s humanitarian visa process and secure his safe relocation, as well as for coordinated international pressure on Egyptian authorities to ensure a fair trial and humane treatment. 

Advocates are also calling for greater scrutiny of the Badr terrorism courts and the officials presiding over them, warning that, without accountability, such cases are likely to continue. 

Abdelrazek’s situation reflects broader challenges facing religious minorities and converts in Egypt. While the country’s constitution nominally guarantees freedom of belief, converts from Islam often face severe social pressure, legal obstacles, and security scrutiny. 

In practice, attempts to change religious identity on official documents can trigger arrest, detention, and prosecution under charges framing them as threats to national security. 

To read more news stories, visit the ICC Newsroom. For interviews, please email press@persecution.org. To support ICC’s work around the world, please give to our Where Most Needed Fund.

The post Upcoming Trial Threatens Egyptian Christian Convert first appeared on International Christian Concern.