Over three months ago, at least ten Libyan Christians were arrested for converting from Islam to Christianity. Two other believers, one from Nigeria and one from Pakistan, have also been arrested because of their association with these Libyan converts. All twelve arrested believers are being held on charges of proselytism (considered "instigating division" by governing officials) which carry a maximum sentence of death.
Islam remains the dominant religion in Libya and forms the basis for the country's legal system. While there is no law explicitly prohibiting religious conversions, some Muslim leaders have argued that leaving Islam is an act of apostasy, which happens to be punishable by death. For more information on the severe persecution of our Christian brothers and sisters in Libya, go to our country report.
Please pray with us that these believers will be released from custody and set free of all charges. Ask the Lord to touch the hearts of the officials responsible for their arrests – as well as those representing the country's other levels of governance – bringing about a favourable outcome for these faithful followers of Jesus and others facing similar charges. May God direct Libya's leaders, leading to a political and legal system that provides all believers protection from unjust accusations and grants them the freedom to gather for worship without the threat of imprisonment and life-threatening sentences.
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