ICC Note: Three Coptic Egyptians have fled their home country and are now seeking asylum in Cyprus after living as a persecuted minority their entire lives. Maher Elgohary and his daughter decided to leave after their home was broken into and they were threatened and abused by the Muslim intruders. Maher was subject on multiple occasions to abuse through the last 20 years since his conversion from Islam.

12/08/2016 Egypt (Christian Times): Three Christians from Egypt are currently seeking refuge in Cyprus after they fled their Muslim-dominated nation because of the brutal persecution they had experienced because of their faith.

Egyptian Coptic Christian Maher Elgohary, his daughter Dina and their friend, Rania, are appealing for protection and a safe home from the government of Cyprus after escaping years of persecution in their homeland, the Cyprus Mail reported.

“Please, (Cypriot authorities) we beg you for your protection and mercy,” Maher was quoted in the report as saying. “We want to have a relaxed life, to start actually living and not to be persecuted for what we believe.”

“We are asking that you keep us safe, that you don’t let anyone harm us and that we can finally have a place to call home,” he added.

The Coptic Christian man was subjected to physical abuse in Egypt for converting from Islam to Christianity some 20 years ago. He said he had to practice his faith in secret to avoid further persecution.

Just a month ago, three men broke into Maher’s home and threatened the lives of his family if he did not follow their instruction. Maher was forced to hold up signs denouncing his Christian faith and saying he and his family had found Islam.

Dina, Maher’s 22-year-old Christian daughter, said her father allowed himself to be subjected to this ordeal to protect her. This experience, she said, ultimately prompted them to leave their homeland.

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