A 37-year-old Coptic Christian researcher and YouTuber, Augustinos Samaan, has officially filed an appeal against a five-year prison sentence that has shocked the religious freedom community. Arrested in 2025, Samaan was convicted under Article 98(f) of the Egyptian Penal Code, a controversial law targeting ‘contempt of religion’ and ‘misuse of social media.’
His only ‘crime’ was sharing videos discussing his Christian faith. Legal experts from ADF International highlight that Samaan’s conviction is a direct hit on the fundamental right to share one’s beliefs. They describe the situation as part of a ‘systematic crackdown’ on online religious expression.
‘The law should protect the soul’s right to seek God, not punish it,’ supporters say. This case isn’t just about a legal statute; it’s about the courage of a believer who chose to speak about Christ in a digital space where such voices are increasingly silenced. As Samaan waits for his appeal, the global Church is called to stand in solidarity with a brother who is paying the ultimate price for his testimony.
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