Egypt: Christian broadcaster raided and equipment confiscated

The SAT-7 studio in Cairo raided by censorship officers. SAT-7

The Cairo studios of Christian satellite broadcaster SAT-7 were raided on Saturday by officers of Egypt's Censorship Department who accused it of operating without the necessary licences.

Items of equipment including cameras and computers used for editing were confiscated and the office director, Farid Samir, was detained for six hours before being released, SAT-7 said.

He faces four charges relating to operating a satellite TV channel without the correct licences.

Farid Samir, SAT-7's office manager, who was arrested and detained. SAT-7

However, according to SAT-7, the Egypt office is a programme production facility and not a satellite broadcast centre. It said that all the charges were "based on a lack of and/or incorrect information".

A decision will be taken by the Public Prosecutor in the next few days about whether the case will go to court. In the meantime SAT-7's activities in Egypt are severely disrupted, though broadcasts to Egypt are continuing from Beirut.

The president of SAT-7 USA, Rex Rogers, said: "As far as we know, we've done absolutely nothing wrong. We have the appropriate licensures and approvals. This is a misunderstanding, but unfortunately, it could cost us."

SAT-7's work in Egypt is carried out under the legal umbrella of the Coptic Evangelical Church but its services are in support of all the Church denominations in the country.

After Sunday's court hearing, Samir asked Christians to "unite with us in prayer so that we can complete our ministry – one based on love and which aims to serve our beloved country".

The issue of censorship is of increasing concern among Egyptian media following the passing of a new anti-terrorism law in the summer. Christians are a minority in the country and face continual pressure from Muslim hard-liners, though the country's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has strongly urged tolerance and religious freedom.

related articles
Bringing a message of hope to persecuted Christians through satellite TV
Bringing a message of hope to persecuted Christians through satellite TV

Bringing a message of hope to persecuted Christians through satellite TV

Turkey: SAT-7 Christian broadcasting gets massive potential audience boost
Turkey: SAT-7 Christian broadcasting gets massive potential audience boost

Turkey: SAT-7 Christian broadcasting gets massive potential audience boost

Egypt: Coptic Christians attacked by Muslim neighbours in property row
Egypt: Coptic Christians attacked by Muslim neighbours in property row

Egypt: Coptic Christians attacked by Muslim neighbours in property row

Egyptian Christian still held in prison for reporting attacks on churches
Egyptian Christian still held in prison for reporting attacks on churches

Egyptian Christian still held in prison for reporting attacks on churches

News
Danny Kruger: Britain should be 'confidently Christian'
Danny Kruger: Britain should be 'confidently Christian'

Reform MP Danny Kruger has spoken of the need for Britain to once more assert itself as a  country with a long and rich Christian Heritage.

400 girls 'missing' thanks to sex-selective abortions
400 girls 'missing' thanks to sex-selective abortions

Sex selective abortions appear to be taking place within the Indian community, data suggests.

Community pantries mark a million visits as new research highlights impact on food insecurity
Community pantries mark a million visits as new research highlights impact on food insecurity

Community pantries across the UK have recorded their one millionth visit, as new research suggests the membership-based food model is helping thousands of households reduce food insecurity, cut costs and prevent them from falling into extreme hardship.

Christmas was a mix of joy and hostility for Christians in India
Christmas was a mix of joy and hostility for Christians in India

India has witnessed a blend of joyful Christmas celebrations in many parts of the country, alongside reports of hate, hostility, and attacks on Christians this season, particularly in northern and central regions.