I write as a supporter of free conscience to respectfully urge the Australian Government to take immediate diplomatic and humanitarian action on behalf of Mr. Said Abdelrazek, an Egyptian national imprisoned in Cairo solely for exercising his right to freedom of belief.
Mr. Abdelrazek (30), converted to Christianity in 2016. Since then, he has faced relentless persecution by Egyptian authorities, including arbitrary detention, torture, forced divorce, separation from his child, and prolonged surveillance.
Although Egypt’s Constitution proclaims that “freedom of belief is absolute,” in practice this protection does not extend to those who leave Islam. Converts to Christianity are treated not as citizens with rights, but as security threats. Mr. Abdelrazek’s case starkly illustrates this contradiction.
After fleeing to Russia, Mr. Abdelrazek formally joined the Orthodox Church and received UNHCR documentation confirming his eligibility for international protection. Despite this, he was deported back to Egypt in 2024. Upon his return, he was again detained, abused, and threatened by National Security officials.
In July 2025, after attempting to lawfully update his identity documents to reflect his faith—a right theoretically guaranteed under Egyptian law—Mr. Abdelrazek was arrested again. He was charged with “terrorism” without credible evidence, while his lawyer was denied access to his case file. His detention has since been repeatedly renewed.
Mr. Abdelrazek’s fiancée is an Australian citizen who anxiously awaits his release and reunification. Australia therefore has both a humanitarian interest and a moral opportunity to intervene on behalf of a man who poses no threat and seeks only to live peacefully, free from persecution.

Recent acts of religiously motivated violence, including the antisemitic attack at Bondi, underscores the cost of religious intolerance. Acting decisively for someone persecuted on similar grounds would powerfully affirm Australia’s values.

I respectfully request that the Australian Government:
1. Grant Mr. Abdelrazek a humanitarian or protection visa, enabling reunification with his fiancée in Australia (The Department of Home Affairs acknowledged receipt of his XB 202 visa application in May 2024);
2. Use Australia’s good offices to press Egyptian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Mr. Said Abdelrazek;
3. Raise his case through bilateral diplomatic channels and relevant UN forums, emphasizing Egypt’s obligations under international human rights law.

Australia has a longstanding tradition as a defender of human rights and a refuge for those fleeing persecution. Acting on behalf of Mr. Abdelrazek would reaffirm that legacy and send a clear message that freedom of belief must be universal and protected.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I trust that Australia will act in accordance with its values and its longstanding commitment to protecting individuals persecuted for their faith.