Egyptian Christians have requested our prayers for a number of ongoing cases involving Christians and others being charged with insulting Islam and its prophet, or inciting sectarian strife and public order. Firstly, they request renewed prayer for Demiana, a Christian teacher in Luxor accused of insulting Islam. On 11th June she was convicted and fined 100,000 Egyptian pounds (approximately US$14,000). Demianas appeal against the fine was accepted, as the fine grossly exceeded the maximum fine specified in the Penal Code of 500 Egyptian pounds. The Appellate Courts Judge upheld the verdict, without re-examining the weak evidence and contradictory testimony against Demiana. The judge dropped the fine against Demiana, but applied a prison sentence of five-years, also in excess of the maximum sentence specified in the Penal Code,. In ten similar cases preceding Demianas, prison sentences of around 6 months have been handed down. In each of these cases weak evidence and contradictory testimony were brought against defendants and accepted by the courts. The defendants included Atheists, Shiites and Christians. Secondly, they request prayer for Kirollos Shawqi, also charged with insulting Islam and its prophet, whose case comes before the Luxor Summary Misdemeanor Court on 24th June. Defence council have asked the court to close the case based on lack of substantive evidence. However, the judge in this case is the same as for Demianas case, and so it is considered likely that the hearing will proceed and that a similar ruling will be given. Egyptian Human Rights organizations are petitioning the Minister of Justice to have all defendants in Luxor that are accused of insulting Islam or the State moved to Cairo governorate to ensure a fair trial. Thirdly, Bishoy Boulous (also known as Muhammad Hegazy) was sentenced on 18th June 2014 to five years imprisonment for inciting sectarian strife, and disturbing public order under Article 176 of the Penal Code. Official publication of the judgment is expected in approximately one month, after which the appeal process can begin, though Boulous legal team believes an appeal is unlikely to be accepted. Egyptian Christians thank us for our prayers. They request our continued intercession, asking that: a. Demiana, Boulous, and Shawki will know the peace, presence and protection of Jesus b. Shawki will be cleared of any wrongdoing c. Demiana and other Egyptians convicted under Egypts blasphemy laws during 2012, 2013 and 2014 will have their cases reviewed and be acquitted d. Laws and practices will be changed to grant all Egyptians greater freedom of expression e. The rule of law will be upheld, and that those without access to justice and a fair trial will be allowed to have their case moved to the capital f. Those that have made false accusations will know the Spirits conviction of sin, and seek the Fathers forgiveness and new life available through the Son g. All officials involved will love mercy, act justly, learn about Jesus and choose to follow Him. This report is from MEC, Middle East Concern, thank you! Mel “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed” (2 Cor.4:9) International Christian Response is a registered charitable organization, number BN87271 4514 RR0001. Gifts are tax deductible. Mel Wiebe - Canadian Director ICR Canada christianresponse.ca 5786 – 203 Street, Langley, BC V2Y3G5 Tel. 604-836-4546
Posted on: Sun, 22 Jun 2014 13:17:38 +0000
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