Christian human rights defender and researcher at the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) Patrick George Zaki spent 22 months in detention before being released in December 2021, pending a trial. He faces unfounded charges of ‘spreading fake news inside and outside Egypt.’

Rami Kamil, a Coptic activist, was held in pre-trial detention for more than two years. He is still awaiting trial on terrorism charges, but it is widely believed that he was targeted for his human rights work.

Egypt’s Code of Criminal Procedures sets out how long a person may be held in pre-trial detention, depending on the seriousness of the charge against them. These men are just two of a number of human rights defenders who have been detained for periods exceeding the legal limits. Both men were detained as part of an ongoing crackdown on civil society which has seen the arrest of several human rights defenders on questionable grounds. Find out more at csw.org.uk/egypt

Sunday 24 April

‘Ekhrestos Anesti! Alisos Anesti!’ (Christ is risen! Truly he is risen!)

Today is Coptic Easter Sunday – a day for Christians to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. May God bless and protect Coptic families as they gather to break the Great Fast together.

Monday 25 April

As well as being Coptic Easter Monday, today is the national holiday of Sham El-Nessim, which marks the arrival of spring. Pray that this new season would also mark a turning point for human rights, and greater acceptance of freedom of religion or belief for all.

Tuesday 26 April

Pray today for those in positions of authority in Egypt, that they may remember their obligation to respect and protect the rights of every citizen, and end the repression of civil society. Pray that they will take tangible steps to combat hate speech and sectarianism in particular.

Wednesday 27 April

Pray the verses of Psalm 139 over all those experiencing human rights violations in Egypt. May they know that they are deeply loved by a God who is with them, even in the darkest of places.

Thursday 28 April

Pray that the Ahmadis, atheists, Baha’is and all other religious or belief groups that are not recognised in the Egyptian constitution would be granted the same rights and protections as those from the three recognised religions: Christianity, Judaism and Islam.

Friday 29 April

Give thanks for the release, pending a trial, of Coptic activist Rami Kamil on 9 January, after more than two years in pre-trial detention. Pray for all charges to be dropped, as well as for the release of all those detained because of conscience, religion or belief.

Saturday 30 April

Lord, we lift up to you the nation of Egypt. Please protect those who are vulnerable, and please work powerfully to improve the situation of human rights, including freedom of religion or belief for all. Amen.

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