When Arsal refused, authorities charged him with the murder even though he had alibis. Meanwhile a Muslim murder suspect was released after only 2 hours. Another Christian, Aziz Tawfik Razkalah, has been arrested four times on the charge of preaching the gospel. Each time he was taken naked to interrogation where he was beaten. Coptic Christians continue to face persecution of various forms, including massacres, execution-style killings, and forced Islamization.
Women are especially vunerable as they are often kidnapped, raped, and forced to marry Muslim men.
Pray that justice will be done in the case of Brother Shayboub who has been falsely accused. Also pray that the Lord would strengthen those who are tortured for sharing their faith. Pray for Christian women who are forced to marry Muslim men, that their faith would not fail and that they would continue to follow the Lord. Many Christian expatriates from the Philippines have been deported for conducting illegal Christian gatherings. Converts from Islam face even greater difficulties.