Arrests and accusations

Egypt | A once protected—and ancient—Christian community in Egypt faces new threats | Jill Nelson

When the Arab world was in a state of war with Israel, Egypt signed a peace treaty with the fledgling nation. When Islamic extremism began to take root in Egypt several decades ago, the state fought back against the terrorists within its borders. And Egypt's 6 million to 11 million Copts—the oldest and largest community of Christians in the Middle East—have been relatively accepted in their homeland compared to their brothers and sisters in neighboring countries.

But a recent wave of state-sponsored persecution of Christians calls into question Egypt's current course and the growing influence of the most radical elements of Muslim society.

Members of Egypt's State Security Investigations (SSI) arrested Christian activists Adel Fawzy and Peter Ezzat on Aug. 8, accusing the men of charges that include insulting Islam, jeopardizing state security, and preaching Christianity.