Aug 4, 2023
USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom Conditions in Egypt
Washington, D.C. – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report on religious freedom conditions in Egypt:
Egypt Country Update – This report assesses the current state of religious freedom in Egypt in light of recent country conditions, incorporating the findings of USCIRF’s May 2023 visit to the country. The country update evaluates the current environment for several of Egypt’s religious communities including Copts, Jews, Baha’is, and Jehovah’s Witnesses, as well as reports on the status of currently detained and former religious prisoners of conscience. The report concludes that Egypt, as a country that has demonstrated an interest in making improvements, is well-positioned to go beyond symbolic gestures promoting “religious tolerance” and make systemic changes to its laws and criminal justice system that significantly advance religious freedom for all Egyptians.
In its 2023 Annual Report, USCIRF reported Egypt’s religious freedom improvements and ongoing challenges in the prior year and made recommendations for U.S. government policy to support religious freedom in Egypt such as encouraging Egypt to repeal its blasphemy statute and to pass legislation that establishes identical processes for the construction, repair, and registration of all religions’ houses of worship. In May 2023, a USCIRF staff delegation traveled to Egypt to meet with government, faith leaders, and civil society members.
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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected].
Additional Name(s): Sergei Romanov, Sergei Aleksandrovich Romanov, Романов Сергей, Романов Сергей Александрович
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: Russia
Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness
Date of Detainment: June/2/2023
Date of Release: February/1/2024
Current Status: Not Released
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Detainment
Reason for Persecution: Attending a Religious Gathering or Meeting Discussing Religion & Religious Texts Distributing Religious Materials Proselytizing Activities Religious Activity
Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Extremism
Sergey Romanov is detained for his religious belief and activity.
On June 2, 2023, authorities placed Romanov in a temporary detention facility after accusing him of organizing and holding religious meetings, carrying out missionary activities, and collecting donations for a religious organization. Romanov was charged with “organizing the activities of a public or religious association or other organization in respect of which a court has adopted a final decision to liquidate or ban activities in connection with extremist activities” (Art. 282.2-1 RCC).
On July 6, 2023, Romanov was transferred to SIZO-1 in Volograd region.
On February 1, 2024, Romanov was released.
Additional Name(s): Dmitriy Naukhatskiy, Dmitriy Aleksandrovich Naukhatskiy, Наухацкий Дмитрий, Наухацкий Дмитрий Александрович
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: Russia
Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: No
Date of Detainment: December/8/2022
Current Status: Not Released
Religious Leader: No
Most Recent Type of Abuse: House Arrest
Reason for Persecution: Attending a Religious Gathering or Meeting Discussing Religion & Religious Texts Distributing Religious Materials Religious Activity
Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Extremism Illicit Financing
Dmytro Naukhatsky is under house arrest for his religious activity.
On December 8, 2022, authorities in Simferopol, Crimea, Ukraine, arrested Naukhatsky after accusing him of organizing religious meetings, discussing religious texts, and collecting donations to support a religious organization. Naukhatsky was charged with “organizing the activities of a public or religious association or other organization in respect of which a court has adopted a final decision to liquidate or ban activities in connection with extremist activities” (Art. 282.2-1 RCC).
On December 10, 2022, Naukhatsky was placed under house arrest.
On March 24, 2023, authorities additionally charged Naukhatsky with “collecting funds…intended to finance the organization, preparation and commission of at least one of the crimes of an extremist orientation, or to ensure the activities of an extremist community or an extremist organization” (Art. 282.3-1 RCC).