We have been notified by Middle East Concern that Ezzat Hakim Atalla Abdel-Malek, one of the arrested friends of businessman/bookstore manager Sherif Ramses, passed away on March 10th. Just days prior to his passing, he was taken to hospital where he received treatment for chest pain. The extensive bruising on his body revealed the physical abuse he experienced during detainment. Unfortunately, Ezzat did not survive the injuries and, sadly, now leaves behind a grieving wife and two teenage children. Please pray that his family will experience the comforting presence of the "Prince of Peace" in their lives, and also the assurance that Ezzat is a true "hero of the faith." May the reality of his present joy and eternal reward in heaven greatly encourage and sustain them. (To review the original report on the arrest of these Christian businessmen, please click here.)
Country Information
Population 7,017,224 (July 2021 est.)
Ethnicity (%) Berber and Arab (97), other (3)
Religion (%) Muslim (96.6), Christian (2.7), Buddhist (0.3), Other (0.2) unafilliated (0.2)
Leader Chairman, Presidential Council, Mohammed Al Menfi (2021)
Government type In transition
Legal system Libya's post-revolution legal system is in flux and driven by state and non-state entities
Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for Libya
Pray that converts to Christianity will stand firm, despite the threats of suffering and death.
Pray that strong and effective Christian resources, including Bibles and other literature, will be available in Libya.
Pray that Libyan Christians will have a strong desire to lead others to faith in the Lord.
Christianity was once a predominant influence in Libya, as seen in the Basilica of Justinian. Photo: Wikipedia / Hakeem.gadi
Once an active centre of Christianity during the days of the early church, Libya is now known as an epicentre of persecution that's so extreme, there are few believers today r
Islam is the official religion of Libya. Photo: Wikipedia / Franzfoto (cc)
A recent government campaign against the celebration of Christmas is yet another demonstration of anti-Christian activity orchestrated by the authorities in the North African nation of Libya. A movement to confiscate Christ
A group of Christian men, believed to be Ethiopian, were brutally killed recently by members of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Libya. The militant group published a video on April 19th that showed one group of men being beheaded on a beach and another group in a desert area being shot in the head. The
Mathew (centre), touched by the immense faith of the Egyptian believers, acknowledged Christ just before his death. Photo: YouTube
Following the brutal murder of a group of Coptic Christians by members of the Islamic State (ISIS) this past February, the names of the 21 martyred men were widely share