“Freedom of Belief and Citizenship” Bulletin .. February 2025 Review
The Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms launches its special bulletin, Freedom of Belief and Citizenship, to highlight the concerns and challenges faced by minorities, promote a culture of tolerance, reject violence and hate speech, and reinforce the principles of citizenship. In this issue, the Commission sheds light on the most significant developments and violations related to freedom of belief and citizenship during February 2025.
Citizenship is based on equality among all citizens in rights and duties, regardless of religion, gender, race, language, or social status. It prevents exclusion or marginalization based on identity, ethnicity, religion, or social class. Moreover, citizenship plays a crucial role in societal development through constructive dialogue and the acceptance of diverse cultures.
The 2014 Constitution enshrines the principle of equality among citizens, guaranteeing equal rights and duties. Article 3 states:
“The principles of the religious laws of Egyptian Christians and Jews are the main source of legislation governing their personal status affairs, religious matters, and the selection of their spiritual leaders.”
Meanwhile, Article 4 affirms:
“Sovereignty belongs solely to the people, who exercise and protect it. They are the source of all powers and safeguard national unity based on the principles of equality, justice, and equal opportunities for all citizens.”
Article 9 further emphasizes:
“The state is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens without discrimination.”
The Constitution criminalizes discrimination and “incitement to hatred” on religious grounds. Article 53 explicitly states:
“All citizens are equal before the law, enjoying equal rights, freedoms, and public duties without discrimination based on religion, belief, gender, origin, race, color, language, disability, social status, political or geographic affiliation, or any other reason. Discrimination and incitement to hatred are crimes punishable by law. The state is obligated to take necessary measures to eliminate all forms of discrimination and shall establish an independent commission for this purpose.”
Notably, despite the constitutional provision requiring the House of Representatives to establish an anti-discrimination commission and define penalties for officials and individuals involved in discriminatory practices, Parliament has yet to enact the legislation needed for its creation or even initiate discussions on its formation.
Article 50 states:
“Egypt’s material and moral cultural and civilizational heritage, in all its diversity and major historical periods—Pharaonic, Coptic, and Islamic—is a national and human treasure. The state is committed to its preservation and protection.”
Article 64 asserts:
“Freedom of belief is absolute.”
However, the article restricts the freedom to practice religious rituals and establish places of worship to followers of the Abrahamic religions.
Article 74 grants citizens the right to form political parties through notification regulated by law, but it prohibits political activities, or the formation of parties based on religion, gender, ethnicity, sectarianism, or geography. It also bans activities that contradict democratic principles or have secret, military, or paramilitary aspects.
Additionally, Article 180 mandates that every local administrative unit elects a council through direct secret voting for a four-year term, ensuring that one-quarter of the seats are allocated to youth under the age of 35, another quarter to women, and that Christian representation is appropriately included.
Article 244 further emphasizes:
“The state shall work towards ensuring adequate representation of youth and Christians in the House of Representatives.”
Promoting and institutionalizing a culture of citizenship and a civil state ensures that all citizens enjoy their constitutional and human rights. This, in turn, serves as a fundamental pillar for safeguarding national unity and fostering societal security.
Key Developments and Violations in the “Freedom of Belief and Citizenship” File – February 2025
Freedom of Belief and Citizenship News:
February 2, 2025: Dr. Hossam Badrawi, National Dialogue Advisor for Vision 2030, criticized the proposal to include religious education in the total high school score. He opposed its inclusion in the scoring system of the “Baccalaureate” system, where religious education would contribute 15% to the final grade, potentially impacting students’ chances of admission to medical and scientific faculties.
He emphasized that high school is a preparatory stage for higher education and should not have its academic weight determined by religious studies. Instead, he suggested that values and ethics could be instilled through subjects such as philosophy, logic, and moral education, rather than religious education alone.
Dr. Badrawi warned that integrating religious education into the total score could turn any discussion about the new education system into an ideological conflict, where opponents might be accused of being “against religion,” leading to societal division instead of focusing on educational reform.
February 3, 2025: Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, shared his perspective on the decision to include religious education in the total score. In a statement to the TV program “Kalema Akhira” (Last Word), he said:
“Adding religious education to the total score in basic education is beneficial for students.”
However, he expressed a preference for making religious education a pass/fail subject in high school without affecting the final score. He also noted that if religious education were to be included in the scoring system, there would be a need for specialized Christian religion teachers. He mentioned that the church had communicated with the Ministry of Education to enlist theology graduates for teaching Christian religious studies.
Pope Tawadros also discussed the Coptic Orthodox Church’s efforts to develop a unified personal status law, a process that began fifty years ago under Pope Shenouda III. He highlighted that personal status laws had been neglected for decades, like the Church Construction Law, which was not enacted until 2016 after years of delay. He stated:
“A unified personal status law has already been drafted, but it remained shelved at the Ministry of Justice for decades.”
He expressed hope that the law will be passed during the current parliamentary session, adding:
“I believe it will be finalized in this legislative term.”
Regarding bold amendments concerning divorce and adultery, Pope Tawadros explained:
“Anba Paula represented us in all discussions, alongside Counselor Monsef Suleiman. The draft law was discussed within the Holy Synod, with minor procedural modifications.”
He affirmed that the draft law would undergo public consultation:
“We will discuss the personal status law in a societal dialogue to ensure the best possible formulation.”
Addressing cases where a spouse is forced to live apart for extended periods without consent, Pope Tawadros stated:
“In such cases, the judge now has the authority to grant the wife the right to separation. However, within the Church, we conduct an investigation between both parties before granting the innocent spouse a remarriage permit.”
Regarding the Church’s stance on civil court rulings on divorce, he clarified:
“The court only issues the divorce ruling; it does not impose any obligation on the Church. The Church’s role follows where the innocent party may be granted a remarriage permit according to our teachings.”
On the issue of gender equality in inheritance, Pope Tawadros commented:
“The Gospel is clear: men and women are equal in inheritance.”
Finally, regarding adoption, he stated:
“The Church never rejected adoption, but the responsible state authorities have not approved it.”
February 7, 2025: The Diocese of Abu Qurqas in Minya issued an official statement expressing its deep gratitude for the completion of all approvals and official licenses for the Church of St. George and Anba Abraam in Manshiyet Zafaran. This church had previously faced multiple sectarian crises and incidents due to opposition to its presence in the village.
The diocese emphasized in its statement that this cooperation reflects the state’s vision in supporting citizenship rights and freedom of religious practice. This step comes after years of difficulties faced by the village’s Copts, who, in 2019, suffered a series of attacks and harassment due to opposition from some hardliners to the church’s establishment in the area.
February 8, 2025: Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly issued an official decision permitting the burial of Prince Karim Aga Khan in the Aga Khan Mausoleum in Aswan.
The decision came more than 48 hours after the Aga Khan Development Network announced the passing of Prince Karim Al-Husseini, the 49th Imam of the Ismaili Shia Muslims, who passed away in Lisbon, Portugal, at the age of 88.
Prince Karim Aga Khan was recognized as the spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims in over 25 countries worldwide and is believed—according to their faith—to be a descendant of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through his daughter Lady Fatima Al-Zahra.
He was widely known for his significant role in community development, establishing educational and healthcare institutions, promoting arts and culture, and leading development projects across multiple countries.
The mausoleum where he was laid to rest also houses the remains of his father, Aga Khan III (Sultan Muhammad Shah), who passed away in 1957, and his wife, Begum Om Habiba, who died in 2000.
Aga Khan IV contributed to the restoration of historic Cairo through the Aga Khan Development Network, undertaking projects such as Al-Azhar Park and the restoration of numerous historic mosques. He also played a key role in developing a tourist route linking historic buildings in the Al-Darb Al-Ahmar district.
Additionally, Begum Om Habiba was a prominent figure in development work, having founded a non-profit organization dedicated to agriculture, food security, and women’s empowerment in Aswan.
February 10, 2025: During a seminar titled “Common Values Among Religions” for students in Assiut schools, Dr. Nazeer Mohamed Ayad, the Grand Mufti of Egypt, affirmed that religion has remained one since Prophet Adam to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), with its true essence being peace and submission to God. He explained that the concept of Islam extends to encompass all divine messages, despite differences in laws and the nations to which these religions were sent.
He emphasized that a true believer possesses a living conscience that guides their morals, knowing that God is watching over them. This awareness prevents them from engaging in acts that corrupt worship and tarnish morality. He referenced Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA), who was known for his deep commitment to justice.
The Mufti further stated that divine religions have all called for respecting human dignity, observing faith, adhering to ethical values, and treating others with kindness. He noted that the shared human values in religions ensure the protection of life, wealth, and honor, as they command individuals to respect differences, preserve their own rights, and safeguard those of others.
February 19, 2025: During his speech at the Islamic Dialogue Conference in Bahrain, Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Sheikh of Al-Azhar, stated:
“The sectarian conflict between Sunnis and Shiites has no justification in my view… and disagreement between them on any issue does not mean or prove the disbelief of either party.”
He continued: “This sectarian divide and the resulting fanaticism and conflict have persisted to this day, exploited by political shifts and used in the worst ways to fuel division between Sunnis and Shiites, as well as their respective nations. This manipulation poses a grave danger to the unity of nations and the cohesion of their peoples.”
February 20, 2025: The Youth Committee of the Egyptian Family House, in collaboration with the Greater Cairo Library, organized a cultural seminar titled “The Role of the Egyptian Family House in Promoting Citizenship Values.
The event was attended by a distinguished group of professors and experts in thought, history, media, and education, including Dr. Mosad Awies, Rapporteur of the Youth Committee at the Egyptian Family House; MP Dr. Aida Nassif, a member of the Senate and Assistant Rapporteur of the Youth Committee; Dr. Abdel-Sami’ Samaan, Rapporteur of the Education Committee; and Dr. Tarek Mansour, writer, historian, and Assistant Rapporteur of the Media Committee.
The participants emphasized that citizenship is not just a theoretical concept but a fundamental pillar of social cohesion. They highlighted the crucial role of the Egyptian Family House in fostering tolerance and acceptance through educational programs and awareness initiatives.
Discussions focused on ways to enhance national belonging and reduce discrimination, stressing the importance of engaging educational and media institutions in spreading a culture of citizenship. The seminar also showcased successful models that uphold the principles of justice and equality, as well as mechanisms for supporting community initiatives that strengthen national unity and encourage active participation in building society.
February 20, 2025: Dr. Rev. Andre Zaki, President of the Evangelical Community in Egypt, attended the 125th-anniversary celebration of the German Evangelical Missionary Society for the Middle East (EMO) in a grand ceremony held in Aswan.
The event was attended by Governor of Aswan, Major General Dr. Ismail Kamal; Deputy Governor Engineer Amr Lashin; Dr. Michael Moirer, Chairman of the German Evangelical Missionary Society; Mr. Mofdy Moussa, Chairman of the Evangelical Hospital Board in Aswan; along with several government officials, religious leaders, representatives from Al-Azhar, Orthodox and Catholic churches, and Evangelical community leaders.
In his speech, Dr. Rev. Andre Zaki highlighted the deep humanitarian role played by the German Evangelical Missionary Society for over a century. He emphasized that this mission operates under the umbrella of the Evangelical Community in Egypt, which, since its inception, has upheld a clear vision for social and developmental work. He affirmed that health, education, and development are integral to the Evangelical Church’s spiritual and societal mission.
Debates on Freedom of Belief and the Civil State
February 6, 2025: Engineer Sherif Mansour, Editor-in-Chief of United Copts website, stated during his interview with media personality Sam Youssef, owner of the Free Thought YouTube channel:
“Copts in Egypt are at a crossroads. Some live in a completely different world in new communities, while the vast majority live below the poverty line.”
He continued: “These individuals are subjected to attacks from some neighbors and religious figures, their homes are assaulted, their daughters are kidnapped, and their businesses are targeted.”
Mansour emphasized: “Loving Egypt doesn’t mean covering up its flaws; rather, it means addressing these issues to serve our children and our country. If Egypt continues on this path, it will not have a future.”
He also commented on Pope Tawadros’ statement that “We are lucky to be in a country called Egypt,” saying that this remark, when published on news sites, received “extremely insulting comments towards the Christian faith.”
Mansour concluded: “Our country is not in a better state because of racism and fanaticism. It lags behind because it evaluates people based on religion rather than expertise and competence.”
Under the Microscope
February 2, 2025: Extremists blamed a Chinese tourist for the sexual harassment she suffered at the hands of a driver in Sharm El-Sheikh, claiming that her clothing provoked the incident. They even called for a law banning tourists from wearing revealing outfits. This stance was widely condemned as incitement to harassment and sexual violence, with many emphasizing that the driver should be punished according to the law.
February 2, 2025: Actor Mahmoud Hemida expressed his opposition to teaching religious education in schools, arguing that religion should only be taught in mosques and churches. He stated:
“When we were children, Christian students were taken out of the classroom during religious studies. Over time, through interaction, we realized they were just like us. This segregation only reinforced divisions.”
Hemida added: “I completely reject including religious education in the grading system, as the minister has done. Religion should not be taught in schools at all. Schools should focus on teaching values, not religion.”
February 9, 2025: The Egyptian Parliament, led by Speaker Hanafi Gebali, rejected a proposal by MP Ahmed Hamdi Khattab from the Nour Party to unify the oath taken in court testimonies.
During discussions on Article 283 of the new Criminal Procedure Law, which states:
“A witness over the age of 15 must swear the following oath before testifying: ‘I swear by Almighty God to tell the truth.’ The oath may be adapted to the witness’s religious beliefs if requested.”
MP Khattab proposed removing the clause allowing religious adaptations, but the Speaker deemed this suggestion “extremely dangerous.” He affirmed that judges have discretionary power to administer the oath according to a witness’s faith, in line with constitutional guarantees of religious freedom. The proposal was rejected, and the article was approved as originally drafted.
February 14, 2025: Islamic scholar Yasmine Al-Khayam, known as Yasmine Al-Hosary, highlighted that Egyptian radio once featured female Quran reciters, including the renowned Sheikhah Munira and Sheikhah Saadia.
Speaking on the show “Boldly Speaking” with host Iman Abu Taleb, Al-Khayam criticized hardline religious figures, stating:
“These ultra-conservatives have banned everything, declaring everything haram. They even eliminated female voices from Quran radio broadcasts, claiming that a woman’s voice is ‘awrah’ (improper to be heard). Yet, Sheikh Ahmed Nuaina was trained by Sheikhah Umm Al-Saad and received certification from her.”
February 24, 2025: Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Sheikh of Al-Azhar, assigned Dr. Abbas Shoman, Chairman of the Reconciliation Committee at Al-Azhar and Secretary-General of the Council of Senior Scholars, to draft a memorandum regarding the mitigation of the death penalty in cases where reconciliation occurs between disputing parties.
In a Facebook post, Dr. Abbas Shoman stated that the Grand Imam instructed him to prepare a document outlining measures for reducing the death penalty when reconciliation is reached. This proposal was approved by the Council of Senior Scholars and later ratified by Parliament.
Dr. Ali Gomaa, Chairman of the Religious Affairs Committee in Parliament, had previously proposed a new article in the draft Criminal Procedure Law granting heirs and Wali al-Dam (guardian of the victim’s blood rights) the right to reconcile in murder cases, which would lead to a reduced sentence. The Egyptian Parliament approved this provision, allowing heirs or their legal representatives to document reconciliation at any stage of legal proceedings, which then results in a mitigated sentence per Article 17 of the Penal Code.
Dr. Ali Gomaa emphasized that this provision aims to curb retaliatory killings (tha’r), aligning with Islamic teachings that encourage forgiveness and the reduction of severe punishments. He further noted that reconciliation in intentional homicide cases helps de-escalate tribal and family disputes, thus enhancing societal stability.
Violence Based on Belief and Hate Speech
February 14, 2025: TV host Marwa Sabri launched a scathing attack on filmmaker Inas El-Degheidy following her controversial statements about cohabitation (mosakana).
During her show “Ladies’ Gathering” on the Alfa Al-Youm network, Sabri criticized El-Degheidy, saying:
“Please, don’t talk about religion anymore. Would you say something like this about a great artist like Ahmed Zaki? How could you even bring this up? How did you have the heart and mind to say such a thing?”
She further urged El-Degheidy:
“Live by your own beliefs privately, among your friends, but don’t impose your misguided views and toxic ideas—ideas that go against religion, values, and ethics—on the public.”
The controversy erupted after Inas El-Degheidy’s interview with journalist Ali Yassin on the Lebanese channel Al-Jadeed, where she stated:
“I said it’s permissible if there’s an offer, an acceptance, and public acknowledgment. Marriage in Islam is based on three elements: proposal, acceptance, and public declaration. In the past, there were no documents—people would simply announce in the streets that someone had married someone else, and it was considered a marriage. I portrayed this in my film Teenage Diaries.”
She added:
“If I publicly declare the relationship, people see it, there are witnesses, and both partners agree, then it is not adultery.”
Cases and Investigations:
February 9, 2025: The Boulaq El-Dakrour Misdemeanor Court sentenced YouTuber Ahmed El-Sayed El-Mandouh, known as “Ahmed Spider”, to three years in prison in case No. 27319 of 2024, after being convicted of blasphemy and mocking Islamic Sharia law.
A complaint filed by lawyer Haitham Hashem Saad accused “Spider” of mocking the Quran, distorting its verses, ridiculing Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and allowing his followers to pledge allegiance to him as “the awaited Mahdi”.
Investigations revealed that he claimed to be a messenger of God, that he had been hidden from public view through a divine miracle, and that he possessed supernatural powers, including the ability to control birds, jinn, and humans.
February 17, 2025: The First Circuit for Terrorism Cases at the Cairo Criminal Court postponed the trial of 11 defendants in case No. 33779 of 2024, known in the media as the “Gold Shops and Churches Targeting Case,” to May 17 for witness hearings.
The defendants, including university students and nursing specialists, faced charges of founding and joining a terrorist group affiliated with ISIS, funding terrorism, and planning attacks on gold shops and churches while surveying security-sensitive locations.
Investigations confirmed that the group used Telegram to spread extremist ideologies and exchange information. Additionally, the defendants underwent training in manufacturing conventional and unconventional weapons and hacking digital systems.
February 20, 2025: The Cairo Court of Appeal for Felony Cases upheld the death sentence against the defendant convicted of murdering Sudanese infant Janet.
The Cairo Criminal Court, presided over by Judge Sayed El-Touni, had previously sentenced the accused to execution by hanging.
According to case No. 5901 of 2024, the Public Prosecution charged the suspect with kidnapping, sexually assaulting, and intentionally killing the 10-month-old victim, crimes punishable by the death penalty.
The child’s body was found in a public garden near her home. Investigations revealed that the accused lured the victim away while she was playing with her sister, assaulted her, and strangled her to death when she screamed. The suspect confessed to the crime, and forensic reports confirmed the details.
February 22, 2025: The Economic Court fined a lawyer 20,000 EGP for illegally founding an unlicensed entity called the “Society Purification Campaign”, which engaged in unauthorized institutional and political activities. He was also ordered to pay 5,000 EGP in civil compensation to the complainant.
The case originated from complaint No. 52 (Economic Misdemeanor – Kasr El-Nil), filed by lawyer Hani Samih, who accused the defendant of spreading hatred against Egyptian artistic heritage, describing it as “impure” and advocating for a rigid, Wahhabi-style society.
The complaint argued that Egypt has long been a beacon of modernity and civilization, and that attempts by reactionary and extremist groups to impose an Iranian- or Afghan-style cultural model threaten the country’s artistic and intellectual legacy.
February 25, 2025: The Second Circuit for Terrorism Cases, held in Badr, postponed the trial of nine defendants in case No. 13555 of 2024 (Helwan Felonies)—known as the “ISIS Delta Province” cell—to March 11 for review.
According to the referral order, from 2023 until April 27, 2024, the first defendant led the “Delta Province” terrorist group, which aimed to disrupt state institutions and prevent authorities from carrying out their duties.
The other defendants were charged with joining the terrorist group while being fully aware of its objectives.
The group allegedly collected and shared information about law enforcement officers in Beheira, Gharbia, and Kafr El-Sheikh to aid in planning terrorist attacks.
February 26, 2025: The North Cairo Criminal Court, convening at the Abbasiya Court Complex, sentenced the first defendant to death by hanging after receiving the Mufti’s opinion, while the second defendant received a life sentence for their involvement in the brutal murder of Minya nurse Mina Moussa.
Cairo’s investigative authorities had referred the defendants to an expedited criminal trial, accusing them of kidnapping and murdering Mina Moussa after failing to obtain ransom money.
The case unfolded in the Zawya El-Hamra district of Cairo, when the victim’s family in Minya reported him missing after receiving a ransom demand for his release.
Investigations and tracking of the victim’s movements led authorities to discover that Mina Moussa had been murdered, dismembered, and his remains were dumped in Ismailia Canal and other locations in Cairo.
Investigations revealed that one of the perpetrators was a fellow nurse and friend of the victim, who, along with an accomplice, lured Mina from his hometown in Minya to Cairo under the pretense of securing a lucrative job opportunity in physiotherapy.
Hoping for better employment, Mina Moussa traveled to Cairo, where he was kidnapped and held hostage, with his captors demanding ransom money from his family.
When Mina resisted, the assailants killed him by slitting his throat, dismembered his body, and disposed of the remains in multiple locations, including Ismailia Canal and garbage dumps, to allow stray dogs to consume them.
The heinous crime was committed inside an apartment in Zawya El-Hamra, Cairo.
