Hearing with the pronouncement of a judgement on the request of Egypt’s most well known convert, Mohamed Hegazy, to change his ID from “Muslim†to “Christianâ€
When: 27th April 2010 at 09:30 a.m.
Where: Court of the State Council
First district, Personnel disputes
Case number: 41 935 judicial year 63
Essam El Daly Street
Dokki Square, Giza 　
Dear Colleagues,
The Egyptian journalist Mohamed Ahmed Hegazy is by far the most well known former Muslim in Egypt who
has converted from Islam to Christianity. He is the first convert in the country who has tried to legally change
his stated religion on his official personal identification papers. His request to officially change his religion was
met with refusal by the Egyptian authorities, thus Hegazy went to court to have his claim contested.
Since his first request from 2nd August 2007 several hearings at different levels of jurisdiction took place. On this coming Tuesday, the 27th of April, 2010, the verdict in Hegazy’s case is set to be announced. The verdict in this case stands to be of paramount importance for converts in Egypt and for religious freedom in the country.
According to estimates, there are several hundred, maybe several thousand former Muslims who have converted to Christianity or become atheist living in Egypt. Many of them have been arrested by Egyptian authorities and tortured. While the conversion from one religion to Islam is easy, the authorities deny the conversion of Muslims to another religion. The statement of religion that must be printed on all Egyptians official documents holds very far-reaching civil consequences. There are only three religions recognized by the Egyptian government; all other religions – at least so far – are de facto forbidden.
Since August 7, 2007, the day that Hegazy requested to have his religion changed from "Islam" to "Christianity" on his official documents, he and his wife have been forced to live in hiding. At Hegazy’s first court appeal, his leaving Islam was judicially refused. Many people, including representatives of state institutions, have called publicly for his death. Several attacks have been committed against Hegazy and his wife.
We strongly urge you to report about the judgment.
Sincerely yours
Martin Lessenthin
Spokesman of the Board
Internationale Gesellschaft für Menschenrechte, IGFM
(International Society for Human Rights – German Section)
www.igfm.de
Internationale Gesellschaft für Menschenrechte (IGFM)