The young man who accepted Jesus about four years ago was arrested by militias and has been detained several times over the past few years. They have tried to force him to renounce his faith, but he has refused. Due to the lack of rule of law and official law enforcement agencies in Libya, militias act as police, intelligence and army. This is according to our partner, Middle East Concern.
Libya has no law against apostasy, meaning converts are most often charged with treason. However, this court based its decision on a law passed by the National Congress, the elected legislative body between 2012 and 2014. According to this law, apostates from Islam must be executed if they do not renounce the faith.
All laws passed by the General National Congress were annulled by the current Tobruk-based parliament, elected in 2014. However, as part of an ongoing power struggle between the administrations in Tripoli and Tobruk, the Supreme Court in Tripoli has declared the Tobruk-based parliament illegal. This gives the courts the freedom to continue applying the annulled laws.
The convert was obliged to publish the judgment in a local newspaper and on a local radio station, as well as display the judgment outside his residence and the court. He did not have legal representation during the proceedings.
Christians in Libya ask for prayers for
- that this brave and bold brother may know the peace of Jesus and the comfort of the Holy Spirit during his trial.
- that the death sentence will be stopped and a fair trial held.
- that this brother be released immediately and for his safety and well-being in the future.
- peace, stability and tolerance in this war-torn country.
