Christian converts face discrimination in Egypt, US report confirms

A US State Department report released last week indicates that Christian converts in Egypt continue to experience legal and social discrimination, despite some acknowledged improvements in the quality of life for Christians under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's administration.

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Despite acknowledging improvements in the quality of life for Christians in Egypt under the rule of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, converts to Christianity still face legal and social discrimination as of 2025, the US State Department informed Congress in a report published last week.

The report highlights that Egyptian authorities enforce blasphemy laws, such as Article 98(f) of the penal code, disproportionately against Christians and those expressing minority religious views. This is exemplified by the ongoing detention of Said Mansour Rezk Abdelrazek, a Christian convert arrested in July 2025 on unknown charges. Abdelrazek, who had previously been arrested in 2023 for allegedly desecrating the Quran and served a year in jail, was detained again in 2024 after deportation from Russia and subsequently released. In April 2025, he began posting social media content about his conversion and legal efforts to change his religious status, leading to his recent arrest. He appeared in court this week, with further proceedings scheduled for September.

Another case mentioned is the arrest of Christian author Augustine Samaan last year for "defaming Islam" due to online content accusing Islam of tolerating child marriage and discussing the Prophet Mohammed's marriage to Aisha Bint Abu Bakr in that context.

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Egyptian authorities continued to enforce blasphemy laws, such as Article 98(f) of the penal code, disproportionately against Christians or those expressing minority religious views.

Despite these challenges, the State Department report also points to several positive developments over the past year. Thousands of previously unlicensed churches received approval, and authorities reportedly began rebuilding an evangelical church in Minya. The report also stated there were no official reports of sectarian violence targeting Christians. While efforts were made to increase Christian representation in political and social spheres, the report notes that Christians remain underrepresented in senior positions within the public sector, with only two Christians currently serving in Egypt's 31-member cabinet.

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Thousands of previously unlicensed churches were approved after submitting their applications, the State Department alleged there were no reports of sectarian violence targeting Christians, and authorities began rebuilding the evangelical church in Minya.