Yemeni Christian Man Freed After Three Years of Unjust Detention in Egypt

A Christian man in Egypt has regained his freedom after enduring three years of arbitrary detention linked to his online activities. Abdulbaqi Saeed Abdo, originally from Yemen, was arrested in 2021 for comments he shared in a Facebook group that discussed Islamic theology and apologetics.

The Background of His Arrest

Abdo was living in Egypt as a registered asylum seeker under the UNHCR when authorities took action against him. His legal troubles followed threats he faced in Yemen after converting to Christianity. According to Alliance Defending Freedom International, Abdo participated in a Christian Facebook group where he exchanged ideas about Islam. His online presence attracted attention, leading to his arrest alongside another Christian individual, Nour Girgis.

Unjust Charges and Legal Support

The Egyptian government has made serious, yet unfounded, allegations claiming that Abdo and Girgis were involved in terrorism. These accusations reflect a broader trend of religious intolerance and government censorship in Egypt. ADF International has been actively working on Abdo’s case, submitting it to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. Despite his release, the charges against him remain unaddressed, and state authorities continue to monitor his situation.

Conditions During Detention

Abdo’s imprisonment was marked by severe conditions. Over the course of three years, he was transferred between various detention centers. His health deteriorated significantly, particularly affecting his heart, liver, and kidneys. In a desperate act of protest, he staged a hunger strike during the final six months of his detention. Witness accounts describe the daunting realities he faced, including overcrowded cells and inadequate medical care.

A Personal Account of Struggle

Upon his release, Abdo voiced his anguish over the hardships he suffered. He stated, “I endured many hardships in prison. It isn’t right that a government should tear me away from my family, keep me in these awful conditions, only because of the faith in which I peacefully choose to believe.” He expressed gratitude to those that prayed for him and advocated for his release during his time in confinement, highlighting the importance of community support.

The Response from His Family

Abdo’s family has also spoken out about the injustice they witnessed. His son, Husam Baqi, criticized the oppressive environment that prevents individuals from openly practicing their faith. He remarked on the dangers of expressing personal beliefs, noting that countless others like his father face imprisonment or worse for their faith.

Human Rights Concerns

Advocates for religious freedom, including Kelsey Zorzi of ADF International, have condemned Abdo’s case as a serious violation of human rights. Zorzi emphasized that arbitrariness in detention without a fair trial denies individuals their basic rights. She stated, “The peaceful expression of one’s religious convictions cannot constitute a crime – not in Egypt, nor anywhere else in the world.”

International Reaction to the Situation

Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a prominent voice for human rights and a research fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution, described Abdo’s detention as a grotesque reflection of the state’s crackdown on free speech. She commented on the chilling effects of such government actions, illustrating a worrying trend wherein individuals become victims of their own convictions in a seemingly free society.

Ali, who herself faced threats after converting to Christianity, called for urgent action against this rising authoritarianism. She asserted, “This is the logical conclusion to a trend that empowers authorities to brutalize innocent people for free expression on social media.” Her statement highlighted the urgent need for a global commitment to defending free speech, particularly in oppressive regimes.

Future Implications

While Abdulbaqi Saeed Abdo’s release is a significant victory, it underscores the ongoing challenges faced by religious minorities in Egypt and beyond. His story serves as both a testament to resilience and a call to action for advocates around the world. Without sustained pressure from the international community, many individuals will continue to suffer similar fates in silence.

The case of Abdo illustrates the crucial intersection of faith and freedom, and the dire consequences that can arise when either is threatened. Coming back to his family and community, Abdo’s experience highlights the importance of vigilance in protecting human rights on a global scale.