A 37-year-old Coptic Christian, a member of Egypt’s historic Christian minority rooted in the early church, has appealed his five-year prison sentence with hard labor after being convicted for online content about Christianity. Augustinos Samaan, a researcher and YouTuber with more than 100,000 subscribers, was arrested on Oct. 1, 2025, when security forces seized his personal belongings. His videos addressed theological and philosophical differences between Christianity and Islam.
Initially charged with terrorism-related offenses, prosecutors later amended the charges to “contempt of religion” under Egypt’s blasphemy law and “misuse of social media.” His trial proceeded without notice to his family or legal counsel, and the verdict was issued on Jan. 3, 2026.
“Prosecuting Augustinos’ peaceful expression is a clear violation of religious freedom,” said Kelsey Zorzi of ADF International. “Everyone has the fundamental right to peacefully express their faith. We hope that Egypt will reverse this egregious conviction and release Augustinos.”
