Christian Broadcasting Studio Raided in Egypt
- Updated Oct 13, 2015
A Christian broadcasting studio in Cairo, Egypt has been raided by Egypt’s Censorship Department and accused of operating violations.
Christian Today reports that SAT-7’s Cairo studios were raided and equipment, including cameras and computers, were confiscated. The studio’s director, Farid Samir, was detained for six hours before being released.
SAT-7 was accused of operating without correct licenses as a satellite TV channel. However, the studio says it had obtained the required licenses and is a program production facility rather than a satellite broadcast center.
"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,” said Rex Rogers, President of SAT-7 USA.
Egypt’s public prosecutor will decide in the next few days whether the case will go to court.
SAT-7 is affiliated with the Coptic Evangelical Church in Egypt. After the raid and 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.”
Christian Today reports that censorship is a growing concern for minorities in Egypt, even though Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is in favor of tolerance and religious freedom.
Publication date: October 13, 2015
