Dr. Augustinos Samaan, 37, is a Coptic researcher arrested by masked special-forces officers on Oct. 1, 2025, for “derision of Islam” under Egypt’s “contempt of religion” laws. Samaan holds a Ph.D. in comparative religion and is engaged in Christian apologetics.

Through scholarly work and online educational content, Samaan peacefully discussed religious issues and responded to anti-Christian sentiment. These are all activities protected under international human rights law. Yet on January 3, Samaan was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment with hard labor. He was also assaulted by other detainees. 

The Organization Coptic Solidarity (CS) is campaigning for Dr. Samaan's release.

During his detention, the officers confiscated his laptop, phone, books, and personal papers. Following national security investigations — an ordeal that reportedly included torture — he was initially charged with terrorism-related offenses. Prosecutors eventually amended the case to “contempt of religion” under Article 98(f) of the Penal Code.

The sentence was issued in a secret criminal trial without notification to his legal counsel or family, without public proceedings, and without granting the defense access to the case file or a meaningful opportunity to represent him.

Dr. Samaan was twice taken before the court without the knowledge of his lawyers or family, culminating in a secret conviction. On Jan. 6, 2026, his family and legal team expected a detention-renewal hearing. Instead, upon arriving at court, they learned that the case had already been tried and decided in their absence. Court officials later confirmed that the case was heard on Dec. 27, 2025. It was further adjourned and adjudicated on Jan. 3, 2026 — without notice to the defense and without public scrutiny.   

To date, Dr. Samaan’s lawyers have not received access to the case file, undermining the most basic elements of due process and the right to defense. 

“This is not a legitimate judicial proceeding—it is punishment by procedure,” Coptic Solidarity noted. “Secret trials and denial of defense rights place Egypt in clear violation of its constitutional and international commitments.”

"There is also growing concern for Dr. Samaan’s physical and mental well-being, following reports of torture and mistreatment in detention. The Egyptian government bears full responsibility to ensure his safety, humane treatment, and access to necessary medical care, in accordance with its domestic and international obligations."

The latest hearing took place on February 23. An Egyptian Misdemeanor Appeals Court upheld the five-year prison sentence with hard labor against Dr. Samaan, according to a statement by his legal counsel, Saeed Fayez.