Egyptian Christian Released, Authorities Press for Info on Wife’s Location

Recently, Egyptian Christian Bolis Rezek-Allah was pulled off of an international flight in Cairo and was held by Egyptian secret police. Rezek-Allah was on his way to Canada after receiving an immigrant visa.

However, just days ago, Rezek-Allah was released from police custody after a judge ruled that there were no legal reasons to hold him prisoner. Following his release, though, police accused him of being a drug dealer. Those charges will prevent him from leaving Egypt and immigrating to Canada.

His wife, Enis Badawi, a former Muslim who converted to Christianity is also being sought by police, but has yet to be captured. She had planned on joining her husband in Canada, but is now in hiding.

In Egypt, it is illegal for a Christian man to marry a Muslim woman. However, it is not illegal for a Muslim man to marry a Christian woman.

The Egyptian government does not recognize Badawi’s conversion; therefore, it is illegal for Rezek-Allah to be married to her.

Authorities continue to press Rezek-Allah for information on his wife’s whereabouts. Rezek-Allah will continue to be harassed and tortured until the Egyptian police have apprehended his wife. One officer reportedly told Rezek - Allah, “I forced you to sell your pharmacy. I forced you to sell your car, and this time I will force you to commit suicide if you do not tell us where your wife is.”