Ahmed Sazousi, the head of the Danish European Mission's cooperation partner on Libya, says the number of imprisoned Christians is likely to be higher than the 12 known: "The situation worsened in March 2023 - when several Christians and other Libyans who had left Islam were arrested."
The authorities' imprisonment of at least 12 Christians can thus be seen as a reaction to the fact that more and more young Libyans are rejecting Islam and instead seeking a life of freedom from the restrictive rules of Islam. Libyan youth are not initially turning to other religions, such as Christianity, but are rejecting all religion.
A survey published by the BBC indicates that 36% of young Libyans between the ages of 16 and 29 have left Islam completely. The survey was conducted by the Arab Barometer Research Network at Princeton University for the BBC's Arabic broadcasts. Read More Here...
Libyan Christians share faith despite risk of persecution
Libyan Christians who share their faith with others fear the reaction of the authorities. They also fear the reaction of their family, community, workplace and place of education to their new faith.
Ahmed says: "We know the names of 12 convert Christians imprisoned under difficult conditions in Libya. Most have shared their faith with others."
"Among the bold imprisoned Christians is Dia Ahmed Balauo, who was sentenced to death on September 4, 2022." Brother Dia Ahmed is a bold young man who found and shared faith in Jesus with others. This led to his imprisonment and death sentence.
The Danish European Mission has worked through diplomatic channels to get Dia Ahmed Balauo out of Libya and to a safe third country, but has not yet succeeded.
"We are very worried about him as the authorities have moved him to an unknown location. We don't know his situation or if the death sentence has been carried out. The authorities lure the imprisoned Christians with a life of freedom if they convert to Islam and promise never to deal with Christianity again. The inhumane conditions in prison and the pressure from the authorities make some Christians return to Islam," Ahmed concludes.
Bed
- For the Christians in prison in Libya, pray for boldness to share Jesus with their fellow prisoners.
- Pray for strength for our Christian brother Dia Ahmed Balauo who has received a death sentence.
- Pray that we can get in touch with him.
- Pray for the isolated Christians who dare not have contact with other Christians due to threats from family and authorities.
Danish Europamision's work in Libya and North Africa
Danish European Mission works with media mission into Libya and the others
North African countries: Morocco, Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia. In addition, underground churches receive spiritual care and church leaders are trained.
Our partner shares the gospel with thousands of Muslims online who participate in
large number of online worship services produced by our partners.
Visit from the Danish European Mission?
Danish European Mission inspires congregations through meetings in churches and mission houses in
Denmark to get involved in mission among Muslims in the Muslim world, also in
North Africa.
You can book a free meeting with the Danish European Mission for your church, mission organization,
Bible study or youth group Here...
