A US-based Christian rights group has raised the alarm over the plight of an Egyptian Christian reportedly being detained by the Saudi Arabia Government because of his faith.
Dr Mamdooh Fahmy, who was working as a surgeon in Saudi Arabia, wrote a letter to International Christian Concern appealing for help to return home to Egypt. His prior attempts to go home for over two years have been futile with the Saudi Government refusing to grant him the required exit visa.
The Christian surgeon was working at Albyaan Menfhoh Medical Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, before he was removed from his position at the centre six months ago, according to ICC. Since then, Fahmy has not been able to obtain another work permit because of his Christian faith.
Harassments targeted at Fahmy began in 2004 when his Muslim colleagues at the medical centre repeatedly pressured him to become a Muslim. After becoming tired of enduring the taunts, Fahmy told his co-workers that he was a Christian and would not change his religion. In response, the group accused him of being a missionary.
In Fahmy's letter to ICC, the doctor details the maltreatment he underwent because of publicly acknowledging his Christian faith in Saudi Arabia:
"On April 12, 2005, I had a surprised visit from three Saudi officials at work. Two were in civilian attire and one was a police officer. They informed me that they were from the morals policing organisation (Muttawa). They proceeded to insult me publicly before the staff and patients of the medical center. They confiscated my wallet, cell phone and keys. They handcuffed me, shacked (sic) my legs and dragged me to a waiting car, then proceeded to my residence."
Fahmy then told how the police officer allowed two civilians to raid his house and confiscate all his written and published materials.
"I was then taken to the police station ... where I was formally accused of being a Christian missionary and of consuming alcoholic beverages at work," recalled the persecuted Christian doctor. "I was placed in solitary confinement for five days. After my confinement they began the interrogation process. Each time I was questioned, I was cursed and insulted. The interrogator referred to me as 'Infidel'."
After his release, Fahmy was told that his passport was now in the custody of the police.
