In Egypt, Coptic blogger sentenced to 5 years for videos about Christianity

Coptic Christian blogger Augustinos Samaan. Photo: ADF international

On April 27, 2026, in Cairo, an Egyptian court sentenced Coptic Christian blogger Augustinos Samaan to five years in prison with hard labor for publishing videos about the Christian faith, reports ADF International.

Samaan, the author of a channel with more than 100,000 subscribers, was convicted under Article 98(f) of Egypt's Penal Code, which provides for liability for blasphemy. He was also charged with "abuse of social media" and "disrespect for religion" – wordings that are often applied to statements considered offensive to Islam.

According to human rights defenders, the blogger mainly published educational materials in which he explained the basics of the Christian faith and answered common questions, as well as addressed theological differences between Christianity and Islam.

On April 24, Samaan filed an appeal, trying to challenge the verdict and defend his right to freedom of religion. ADF International stated that punishment for peaceful expression of religious beliefs is a violation of fundamental rights.

The organization emphasized that Samaan's case is not an isolated incident. Since August 2025, dozens of people have been detained in Egypt for religious posts on the internet, including newly converted Christians and users who discussed matters of faith.

Human rights defenders note that the application of blasphemy laws in the country is intensifying and being used against religious minorities. Despite constitutional guarantees, Coptic Christians, who make up about 10-15% of Egypt's population, continue to face discrimination and pressure.

ADF International called on Egyptian authorities to review the sentence and ensure protection of freedom of religion and freedom of expression.

Earlier, Christian Abdulbaki Said Abdo found himself in a similar situation. He was convicted for Facebook posts but later released with the support of human rights defenders and left the country.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the US Commission on International Religious Freedom published a report on the situation of religious minorities in Egypt, stating the ongoing systemic discrimination against Christians and other non-Muslim communities. According to the report, Egyptian authorities continue to apply laws and practices that restrict the religious life of minorities, including Coptic Christians, Bahá'ís, and others.

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