PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release Date: 8 November 2025

Ex-Muslims International, including Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain, expresses deep concern following credible reports that Sherif Gaber was arrested on 4 November 2025. Sherif Gaber is a well-known Egyptian atheist, political activist, blogger, and YouTuber who advocates for free thought, secularism, and scientific reasoning in Egypt and the wider Arab world.

According to information obtained his current whereabouts remain unknown and no official authority has confirmed the reason for his detention or where he is being held.

The reports of Gaber’s detention come amid what appears to be a wider government crackdown on free thought and secular activists across Egypt. Credible human rights monitoring reports indicate that over the past few weeks, up to 20 other atheists have reportedly been detained or questioned by security services. These arrests, if confirmed, represent a deeply troubling escalation in the repression of non-violent belief and expression.

Sherif Gaber is widely recognised for his outspoken advocacy of free thought, scientific reasoning, and secular values in Egypt and the wider Arab world. Over the past decade, he has faced repeated harassment and prosecution on charges such as “blasphemy” and “spreading atheistic ideas.” In May 2024, an Egyptian court sentenced him to five years in prison on charges of “contempt of religion” and “promoting atheism,” continuing a longstanding pattern of persecution for peacefully expressing his opinions.

Egypt’s Constitution and its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) guarantee the rights to freedom of thought, conscience, and expression. The arbitrary arrest or disappearance of individuals for their beliefs or opinions violates these obligations.

Ex-Muslims International urges the Egyptian authorities to:

Immediately disclose the whereabouts of Sherif Gaber and allow him contact with his family and legal representatives;

Ensure his safety and humane treatment in line with international standards;

Release him immediately and unconditionally

End the ongoing campaign of intimidation and arrests targeting non-believers, secularists, and free-expression advocates

Uphold Egypt’s constitutional and international commitments to freedom of belief and expression.

We call on international organisations, governments, and media outlets to monitor these developments closely and to urge Egyptian authorities to meet their responsibilities.

Further updates will be provided once additional information is confirmed.