The Washington Centre for Human Rights expresses deep concern regarding the unlawful detention of Abdul-Baqi Saeed Abdo, a Yemeni Christian, who has been imprisoned in Egypt since December 15, 2021. Abdo’s case highlights the ongoing human rights violations faced by individuals exercising their freedom of religion and belief in certain parts of the world, including Egypt. Abdo, a father of five, fled Yemen in 2014 after converting from Islam to Christianity, seeking safety and freedom in Egypt. However, his quest for refuge turned into a nightmare when he was arrested for publicly expressing his Christian faith online.
Abdo’s detention stems from charges related to terrorism and defamation of Islam, simply because he announced his conversion on social media. This alarming case raises concerns about the Egyptian government’s stance on religious freedom, and the abuse of power by detaining individuals for expressing beliefs different from those in the country’s dominant faith. The Washington Centre for Human Rights condemns the Egyptian government’s actions in this case, emphasizing that such arbitrary detentions violate international human rights standards, including the right to freedom of religion, expression, and belief.
Abdo’s son, Hussam, has made it clear that his family is suffering immensely in his absence. He voiced his grave concerns that if his father is deported to Yemen, he will face either death at the hands of Yemeni Muslims or arrest by the authorities for abandoning Islam. Hussam’s words underscore the risks faced by individuals like Abdul-Baqi, who are caught in dangerous circumstances due to their religious conversion. The Centre strongly echoes these concerns, urging that no person should ever be subjected to such threats simply for following their conscience.
Abdo’s prolonged detention has compounded the suffering of his family, who were recently resettled in Canada in September 2024 through the UNHCR. While the family hoped to reunite with Abdul-Baqi, three years of separation have left them in despair. His wife and children, who are now living in Canada, rely heavily on his emotional and financial support. The situation is made even more dire by Abdul-Baqi’s deteriorating health. His chronic heart and liver ailments remain untreated, and his lack of access to proper medical care while imprisoned in harsh conditions in Egypt is an ongoing violation of his fundamental rights.
The Washington Centre for Human Rights calls on the Canadian government and the international community to take immediate action to secure Abdul-Baqi’s release. Canada, as a country that upholds the principles of human rights and religious freedom, should exert diplomatic pressure on Egypt to release Abdul-Baqi and allow him to seek refuge in a safe country. The Centre urges Canada to push Egypt to comply with its obligations under international human rights law and grant Abdul-Baqi the care and oversight of the UNHCR, which would facilitate his resettlement and reunification with his family in Canada.
Abdul-Baqi’s health continues to deteriorate, and his family is deeply concerned for his safety, especially as winter approaches. The conditions in Egyptian prisons are notorious for their lack of heating, which further exacerbates Abdul-Baqi’s already fragile health. In August 2024, Abdul-Baqi began a medical strike to protest his unlawful detention and the dire prison conditions. This act of protest reflects the desperation of those imprisoned for no reason other than their religious beliefs. The Washington Centre for Human Rights condemns the Egyptian authorities for allowing such inhumane conditions to persist, and calls for their immediate intervention to end this unjust detention.
The Washington Centre for Human Rights also urges the international community, including human rights organizations like Amnesty International, the U.S. State Department, and the United Nations, to continue raising awareness of Abdul-Baqi’s plight. These organizations have already condemned his detention as arbitrary and a violation of his rights. They have also highlighted the fact that Egypt has exceeded its own 18-month limit for pre-trial detention, further undermining its commitment to upholding the rule of law.
As the anniversary of Abdul-Baqi’s detention approaches, the Washington Centre for Human Rights reiterates its call for his immediate release. The Centre emphasizes that religious freedom is a universal right, and that individuals should not be persecuted or imprisoned for exercising this right. The Egyptian government must be held accountable for its actions, and the international community must take a stronger stand to ensure that Abdul-Baqi and others like him are not subjected to unjust imprisonment and persecution. Only through concerted diplomatic efforts and international pressure can we hope to secure the freedom and safety of individuals like Abdul-Baqi Saeed Abdo.