Facebook Post Leads to Three Years' Imprisonment

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Saint Tadros Church in Menbal. - Photo: World Watch Monitor
The Saint Tadros Church in Menbal.
Photo: World Watch Monitor

Abdo Adel Bebawy, 43, has been sentenced to three years in prison for "insulting Islam" following a Facebook post which led to riots in July (see this report). At the time of his original post, friends explained that Abdo was not very literate and did not fully understand what he had posted.

While the sentence is for three years, many in the community believe the harsh ruling is to prevent more mob violence. A lawyer familiar with the case anticipates that the sentence may be overturned or reduced on appeal. This appeal is expected to be heard in late December.

Remember Abdo in your prayers as he now faces this sentence. Pray that the appeal will be successful. May the courts and leaders of the country seek to provide safety and equality for all citizens, regardless of their religion.

  • Country Information

    Population
    109,546,720 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Egyptian (99.7), other (0.3)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (90), Christianity (10)

    Leader
    President Abdelfattah Said El-Sisi (2014)

    Government type
    Presidential republic

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system based on Napoleonic civil and penal law, Islamic religious law, and vestiges of colonial-era laws

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Egypt

    Pray on behalf of those who are facing economic and social challenges because of their Christian faith. Ask the Lord to provide for their spiritual and practical needs – further strengthening and emboldening them so they can effectively share the message of the Gospel with others in their communities. May the hearts of those who hear it be open and receptive to the wonderful truths contained in God’s Word.

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