The Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms launches its Freedom of Belief and Citizenship bulletin to address the concerns and challenges faced by minorities, promote a culture of tolerance, reject violence and hate speech, and uphold the values of citizenship. In this issue, the Commission highlights key developments and violations related to freedom of belief and citizenship during January 2025.
Article 27 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights states:
“In those States in which ethnic, religious, or linguistic minorities exist, persons belonging to such minorities shall not be denied the right, in community with the other members of their group, to enjoy their own culture, to profess and practice their own religion, or to use their own language.”
Additionally, the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, in its fourth article, obligates states to take necessary measures to prevent and eliminate any form of discrimination based on religion or belief. These measures include:
Implementing appropriate policies in all civil, economic, political, social, and cultural aspects of life.
Enacting or repealing legislation to prevent discrimination where necessary.
Taking all suitable measures to combat intolerance based on religion or other beliefs.
Furthermore, the United Nations Declaration of Principles on Tolerance, adopted by the General Assembly, emphasizes that tolerance fundamentally means “recognizing the human rights of others.”
The UNESCO Declaration on Tolerance affirms that tolerance means “respect, acceptance, and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world’s cultures, forms of expression, and human qualities. This tolerance is strengthened through knowledge, openness, communication, and freedom of thought, conscience, and belief.”
Below are the key developments and violations concerning Freedom of Belief and Citizenship during January 2025:
Freedom of Belief and Citizenship News – January 2025
- January 3, 2025: Dr. Nazir Ayad, the Grand Mufti of Egypt, addressed public debate over his name, as some found it surprising that the name “Nazir Ayad” is common in Christianity. During an interview with journalist Hamdy Rizk on the TV program Ask the Mufti, aired on Sada El Balad channel, Ayad explained that he was named after his grandfather, saying: “My grandfather was a memorizer of the Quran and possessed a certain level of knowledge and understanding. Thankfully, I inherited some of the books he passed down to my father, who then gave them to me.”
Dr. Ayad also clarified the religious ruling on church construction, affirming that the Family House initiative serves as a crucial stabilizing factor in society, bringing together different segments under one umbrella. He emphasized that building churches is religiously permissible and stated that a Muslim is obligated to maintain ties with his Christian wife’s family and respect her Christian faith.
- January 3, 2025: Dr. Rev. Andrea Zaki, President of the Evangelical Community in Egypt, hailed the new church construction law as a significant step in Egypt’s history. Speaking on the Frankly Speaking program on Al-Hayat TV, he revealed that the Evangelical community in Egypt comprises 1,500 churches across 19 denominations, of which 530 are legally recognized, while 970 remain unregistered.
He explained that the law also covers conference houses and noted that in 2017, the Evangelical community submitted requests to legalize 970 churches and 100 conference houses. Over the past five years, 565 churches and conference houses have been granted legal status. He remarked: “We have been in Egypt for about 200 years, and in just five years, we have obtained as many official licenses as we did in two centuries. This means that in just five years, we have achieved the same level of recognition that previously took 200 years.”
He expressed optimism that all remaining churches in Egypt would be legalized within the next five years, or possibly even sooner, highlighting that the new law sets a clear timeframe for church licensing requests and outlines legal recourse if necessary.
- January 12, 2025: Bishop Paula, Metropolitan of Tanta and head of the Orthodox churches in Tanta and its affiliated regions, voiced his opposition to making Religious Education a core subject that contributes to students’ final grades. He stressed that the focus should be on increasing scientific subjects to produce future scholars.
In an interview with journalist Lamis El Hadidi on the Last Word program on ON TV, he stated: “Religion belongs in churches and mosques. Teaching religion in schools should be for cultural awareness, not as a graded subject affecting students’ success or failure.”
Bishop Paula explained three key reasons for his opposition as a Christian:
- Qualified Teachers – If Christian Religious Education is to be taught as a graded subject, then specialized teachers who have graduated from theological colleges should be appointed, rather than agricultural science teachers filling the role.
- Non-Denominational Curriculum – The Christian curriculum taught in schools is non-denominational, meaning certain aspects specific to different Christian sects are removed to create a generalized version for all Christian students.
- Segregation in Schools – Christian students are separated from their Muslim peers during Religious Education classes, often having their lessons in schoolyards rather than in proper classrooms.
He proposed that if religious education must be included, a general course on ethical values should be taught to all students together.
- January 15, 2025: Bishop Bakhoum, Patriarchal Vicar for the Catholic Patriarchal Diocese and official spokesperson for the Catholic Church, also opposed adding Religious Education to students’ final grades. He warned that such a move would provoke unnecessary controversy and division at a time when society should be focusing on unity and citizenship.
He suggested that a universal ethics and values subject be introduced for all students, promoting acceptance, cooperation, tolerance, and a sense of belonging, while leaving religious instruction to churches and mosques.
Bishop Bakhoum stressed that moral education should focus on enabling students to embody virtues such as justice, mercy, honesty, and patriotism, while schools should prioritize scientific learning and creativity.
January 18, 2025: Eng. Sherif Mansour, Editor-in-Chief of Copts United, commented on the Minister of Education’s decision to include Religious Education in students’ final grades across all educational stages. In a video statement, Mansour criticized what he called an “innovation” introduced by the Egyptian government in religious education, questioning the rationale behind the decision.
He also expressed strong opposition to the revival of Kuttab (traditional religious schools), describing them as outdated and ineffective. He remarked: “What has happened in Egypt that we are going back to something called Kuttab?! Tablets have been abolished, and French language education has been removed—why?”
Mansour argued that education should unify Egyptians rather than divide them and accused the government of violating the Egyptian Constitution. He specifically referenced Article 53, which guarantees equality and prohibits discrimination based on religion. Frustrated, he asked: “Why are we doing this nonsense?!”
January 30, 2025: The Islamic-Christian Center for Understanding and Partnership, affiliated with the Anglican Episcopal Church in Egypt, hosted the Dr. Ali El-Samman Religious Dialogue Awards ceremony. The application process for the awards had been opened in November 2024.
The event was inaugurated by Dr. Sami Fawzi, Archbishop of the Episcopal Church, who expressed the Church’s pride in the role played by the Islamic-Christian Center in Egyptian society. He emphasized that the award was established in memory of Dr. Ali El-Samman, who devoted his life to fostering interfaith dialogue. Dr. El-Samman was not only an intellectual and advocate for dialogue but also a leading figure in practical religious dialogue efforts. The archbishop highlighted Dr. El-Samman’s significant contributions to promoting Muslim-Christian dialogue both locally and internationally, as well as his valuable written legacy. These contributions inspired the Church, through the Islamic-Christian Center, to launch the award in his honor, supporting artistic and intellectual works in this field.
Bishop Dr. Mouneer Hanna, Chairman of the Islamic-Christian Center for Understanding and Partnership and Honorary Archbishop of the Episcopal Church, remarked that the event coincided with the 23rd anniversary of the historic dialogue agreement signed between Al-Azhar and the Episcopal Church at Lambeth Palace in London. The agreement was signed in the presence of the late Sheikh of Al-Azhar, Dr. Mohammed Sayyid Tantawy, and Archbishop George Carey.
Bishop Hanna emphasized that the award reflects the emergence of a new generation of Egyptians committed to dialogue and peacebuilding. He extended gratitude to Dr. Ali Gomaa, former Grand Mufti of Egypt and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Misr El-Kheir Foundation, as well as to Dr. Ali El-Samman’s friends, who contributed the prize funds.
Under the Microscope
- January 4, 2025: Dr. Shawki Allam, professor of Islamic jurisprudence at the Faculty of Sharia and Law and former Grand Mufti of Egypt, asserted that gender transition is not permissible.
Speaking on Bayān al-Nās on Al-Nas TV, Dr. Allam stated that no one has the right to change from male to female or vice versa, emphasizing that altering one’s body under the pretext of personal freedom is impermissible. He argued that every disease has a cure, as ordained by God, and that individuals should not take medications that interfere with their biological and sexual identity.
He stressed the importance of seeking guidance from medical professionals while adhering to Islamic teachings that direct Muslims towards what benefits both their spiritual and physical well-being. He further stated that gender transition is only permissible under strict medical supervision and in cases where it is deemed a legitimate medical necessity.
- January 23, 2025: Dr. Khaled Montaser, intellectual and physician, commented on Al-Azhar University’s decision to form committees for the Arabization of medical and pharmaceutical curricula.
Posting sarcastically on his Facebook account, Montaser wrote:
“After Al-Azhar’s decision to Arabize medical education, a graduate from Al-Azhar’s medical school will receive a membership card from the Arabic Language Academy instead of the Medical Syndicate! Instead of reciting the Hippocratic Oath, they’ll be quoting Ibn Malik’s Alfiyya!”
Following the public backlash over the university’s move, Al-Azhar University’s Media Center released a statement clarifying that no final decision has been made yet. The statement explained that the university is currently conducting a thorough academic study on the feasibility of Arabizing medical sciences, considering all academic, technical, and practical aspects to ensure that medical education meets the highest standards and serves both students and society.
The university assured that any decisions on this matter will only be made after comprehensive scientific discussions and evaluations to ensure that educational advancements align with scientific progress and fulfill the needs of students and the broader community.
Religious-Based Violence & Hate Speech
- January 2, 2025: Coptic activists launched a campaign demanding the removal of Algerian footballer Ahmed Kendouci—currently on loan from Al Ahly to Ceramica Cleopatra—from the Egyptian league. The controversy arose after Kendouci posted on Instagram, denouncing New Year’s and Christmas celebrations as religiously impermissible, sparking anger among Egyptian Christians.
The petition, addressed to Minister of Sports Ashraf Sobhi, EFA President Hany Abou Rida, and Ceramica Cleopatra Club President Tarek Abou El-Enein, called for Kendouci’s immediate dismissal from Egyptian football. It also urged the Minister of Interior to deport him to Algeria, accusing him of mocking Christianity, inciting religious hatred, and violating Egypt’s laws against religious contempt and sectarian strife.
The petition further argued that Kendouci’s actions contradict sportsmanship principles, fair play ethics, and FIFA’s codes of conduct by introducing religious extremism into Egyptian football. The activists warned that if authorities failed to act, they would escalate the matter to the Egyptian judiciary, CAF, and FIFA.
- January 11, 2025: Liberal writer Ahmed Arafat responded to extremists who claim that world-renowned heart surgeon Sir Magdi Yacoub will not enter heaven simply because he is Christian.
In a Facebook post, Arafat addressed those who insistently debate Yacoub’s afterlife, stating:
“To those who keep saying Dr. Magdi Yacoub won’t enter heaven no matter what he does for humanity—trust me, he doesn’t care about your pointless debates. For him, heaven is right here on Earth—the heaven of serving humanity. He has dedicated his life to medicine and saving lives, making each day a new opportunity to help others. That is his true legacy, not your fantasies about heaven and hell. Dr. Magdi is a true messenger of humanity. May God bless you, our beloved doctor.”
Cases & Investigations
- January 5, 2025: The Cairo Criminal Court (First Circuit) at Badr Judicial Complex postponed the trial of 11 defendants accused of targeting gold shops and churches to February 17, 2025, for further interrogation.
The prosecution charged the defendants—all students, including a Sudanese national—with funding terrorism by providing digital materials containing security, technical, and ideological instructions for terrorist activities.
Between 2021 and May 2024, they allegedly planned armed attacks on gold shops in Cairo, Giza, and Fayoum and plotted an attack on a church in Luxor. Their strategy involved surveillance of locations and security personnel, with the intent to kill shop owners and steal gold to fund terrorist operations.
- January 12, 2025: The Badr Criminal Court (Appeals Division) rejected the appeal of Khatib Abdel Zaher Mahmoud (Defendant #4) in the case known as “The Shia Sedition”, but reduced his sentence from 10 years to 3 years of hard labor.
Mahmoud had initially been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in the mob killing of Hassan Shehata (a prominent Shia cleric in Egypt) and three of his followers. Prosecutors accused him of premeditated murder, inciting sectarian violence, and leading a mob attack using bladed weapons, clubs, and Molotov cocktails.
- January 12, 2025: The Administrative Court scheduled its ruling for March 23, 2025, on a lawsuit challenging the revocation of the screening license for the film “The Atheist”.
Filed by lawyer Hany Sameh, the lawsuit argues that banning the film violates Law No. 121 of 2023, which regulates artistic censorship.
Sameh condemned “reactionary forces” for obstructing the film, likening their actions to historical religious crackdowns on modernization, including the dismissal of clerics who opposed abolitionism and reform.
The petition cited Egypt’s long-standing tradition of enlightenment, referencing Taha Hussein, Naguib Mahfouz, and Adel Imam, whose works challenged extremism. It also highlighted previous anti-extremism films (The Terrorist, Birds of Darkness, Destiny), emphasizing that only the censorship board—not religious authorities—has the legal right to regulate artistic content.
The case is viewed as a test of Egypt’s commitment to artistic freedom and secular governance.
Cases & Investigations – January 2025
- January 13, 2025: The Court of Cassation upheld the death sentence for Nahro Abdel Moneim, convicted of murdering Coptic priest Arsenius Wadid in Alexandria.
The Alexandria Criminal Court had previously sentenced Abdel Moneim to death by hanging, with the verdict reached unanimously.
Prosecutors argued that the murder was premeditated, citing Abdel Moneim’s history of extremist ideology and previous detention. They emphasized that he targeted the priest specifically because of his clerical attire, proving sectarian intent.
The incident occurred on April 7, 2024, when the attacker fatally stabbed the priest near Enas Haqi Beach Gate. Arsenius Wadid had served as a priest for nearly 30 years, having been ordained by Pope Shenouda III in 1995 and later promoted to archpriest in 2021 by Pope Tawadros II.
- January 13, 2025: The Court of Cassation upheld the sentences against the six convicted killers of Rani Raafat, a Coptic youth assassinated in broad daylight in Dabaa, Matrouh.
- Defendant 1: Life imprisonment
- Defendant 2: 15 years of hard labor
- Defendants 3 & 4: Life imprisonment
- Defendants 5 & 6: 10 years of hard labor
The April 27, 2022, attack shook public opinion after six masked assailants fired 36 rounds from automatic rifles, killing Rani Raafat Noor Fakhoury near his home—just meters from the Dabaa Police Station.
After executing the murder, the attackers fired indiscriminately at the police station, the National Security unit, and the city entrance before escaping.
- January 27, 2025: The Cairo Criminal Court postponed sentencing in the Mina Moussa murder case (known as the “Minya Nurse Case”) to February 26, 2025, pending the Grand Mufti’s opinion on the death penalty recommendation for the accused.
Mina Moussa, a nurse from Minya, had been reported missing by his family after they received a ransom demand for his release.
Investigations revealed a gruesome crime:
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- Two suspects—a fellow nurse and an accomplice—lured Moussa to Cairo under false pretenses, promising him a lucrative job.
- After kidnapping him in El-Zawya El-Hamra, they murdered, dismembered, and disposed of his body in multiple locations, including Ismailia Canal and garbage dumps to cover up the crime.
- Authorities confirmed that parts of the victim’s remains were left in areas where stray dogs consumed them, highlighting the brutality of the killing.
The case has sparked public outrage over kidnappings for ransom and violent crimes targeting Copts.
On This Month in History:
- January 1, 1992: Boutros Boutros-Ghali Appointed as UN Secretary-General
- Boutros Boutros-Ghali was appointed as the Secretary-General of the United Nations, serving a single five-year term from January 1992 to December 1996.
- He was the first Arab and African to hold this position in the international organization.
- January 1, 2011: Saints Church Bombing in Alexandria
- A terrorist attack targeted Saints Church in Sidi Bishr, Alexandria, resulting in 23 deaths and around 79 injuries.
- The attack initially was attributed to Al-Qaeda, but later, Egypt’s Ministry of Interior attempted to link it to jihadist groups in Gaza.
- After the 2011 revolution, evidence suggested that Egyptian security forces under Habib El-Adly’s tenure may have orchestrated the attack.
- January 7, 2010: Nag Hammadi Sectarian Violence
- Six Christians and a Muslim police officer were killed in sectarian violence in Nag Hammadi, Qena Governorate, Upper Egypt.
- The attack was carried out by a leader of the then-ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) and led to protests in the area.
- Demonstrators set fire to homes and shops belonging to both Muslims and Christians.
- January 12, 1954: Gamal Abdel Nasser Dissolves the Muslim Brotherhood
- Egypt’s then-president, Gamal Abdel Nasser, issued a decree dissolving the Muslim Brotherhood, declaring it a political party rather than a religious movement.
- January 15, 2008: Death of Historian Dr. Yunan Labib Rizk
- The renowned historian Dr. Yunan Labib Rizk passed away at the age of 75.
- He was known for his column in Al-Ahram newspaper, “Al-Ahram: The Diwan of Contemporary Life,” and his numerous books and publications.
- He played a significant role in Egypt’s defense in the Taba dispute and was part of the Egyptian legal team in international arbitration against Israel in the early 1980s.
- January 18, 2006: Sectarian Clashes in Al-Udaysat, Luxor
- The village of Al-Udaysat in Luxor witnessed violent clashes following the conversion of a guesthouse into a church without official permits.
- Tensions escalated when young Muslim men set fire to huts and agricultural lands surrounding the guesthouse, leading to 14 Christian casualties, including deaths and injuries.