Date of Bulletin: 25 December 2013
Mohammed Hegazy, now known by his Christian name, Bishoy Armia Boulos, was arrested on Dec. 4 at a cafe in Minya, Upper Egypt. Security forces claimed he had been working for a Christian satellite TV channel and contributing to a "false image" that Christians in Minya are targets of violence.
Boulos's friends believe his arrest was another attempt to persecute Egypt's "best-known convert from Islam." Boulos was the first Egyptian to file a lawsuit in an attempt to change the religious identity on his ID card. He had previously been arrested and tortured because of his conversion to Christianity, and he was
forced into hiding after receiving death threats.
On Dec. 10, Boulos was transferred from the prison in Minya to a prison outside the city, due to concerns for his safety. Informants had told prison security that Muslim prisoners were planning to kill Boulos for becoming a Christian.
Sources: Morningstar News, Release International, VOM Sources
Photo: Bishoy Armia Boulos
Please Pray!
- Pray that God will intervene and protect Boulos and that international attention will result in his release.
- Pray for his wife and two children, believed to be living abroad.
- Pray that Egypt's new constitution will protect the religious rights of its citizens.
"The proud have dug pits for me, which is not according to Your law. All Your commandments are faithful; they persecute me wrongfully; help me!" Ps. 119:85-86
Voice Of the Martyrs assists Christians in Egypt through the VOMedical fund, Families of Prisoners fund, Christian radio broadcasts and discipleship training for former Muslims.
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