Egypt: Six Christians detained over TikTok religious parody

The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) has called for the release of six Christian youths, including one minor, detained in the Minya Governorate. The group was arrested after posting a TikTok video parodizing a comedic scene from the 2018 Egyptian film ‘Khalawis’, which depicts prisoners attempting to perform Muslim prayers.

The detainees face charges including “using religion to spread extremist ideas, contempt for religion, and insulting a religious confession.” Although the individuals reportedly deleted the video shortly after posting it, a local resident reposted the content, sparking backlash against the youths and the local Christian community.

Following interrogations by the Supreme State Security Prosecution, a judge extended the group's detention for an additional 15 days. The EIPR noted that this extension occurred without the presence of defense lawyers.