Cairo judge refuses change for Christian’s ID card

CAIRO, Egypt — A Cairo judge rejected an Egyptian convert’s attempt to change his identification card’s religious status from Muslim to Christian on June 13, the second failed attempt to exercise constitutionally guaranteed religious freedom by a Muslim-born convert to Christianity. For Maher El-Gohary, who has been attacked on the street, subjected to death threats and driven into hiding as a result of opening his case 10 months ago, the outcome provided nothing in the way of consolation.

“I am disappointed with what happened and shocked with the decision because I went to great lengths and through a great deal of hardship,” he said.

El-Gohary follows Mohammed Ahmed Hegazy as only the second Muslim-born convert in Egypt to request such a change. El-Gohary’s case could go before the High Court, his lawyer said.

“This is not the end; this is just the beginning,” Nabil Ghobreyal said. “I am going to a higher court; I have ideas and I am going to fight all the way through.”