In Libya, Islamists killed an Egyptian Christian for refusing to renounce his faith

Milad Malak, a 20-year-old Egyptian Christian, was brutally murdered by ISIS militants in Libya after he refused to renounce his faith and convert to Islam. The young man, who served as a deacon in the Coptic Orthodox Church, remained steadfast in the face of torture, telling his captors that he would not renounce Christ even if they “cut him to pieces.”

Milad Malak had traveled to Libya in search of work to help his family and was kidnapped by militants in early October along with two Muslim friends. Although Malak’s family paid the ransom, the terrorists held him longer than the other captives because he was the only Christian in the group. His friends, who were released after the ransom was paid, later told the deceased’s family about his martyrdom.

Malak’s death has once again drawn attention to the extremely dangerous situation for Christians in Libya, which ranks 9th on Open Doors’ list of countries most hostile to Christians. This incident is reminiscent of the 2015 tragedy, when ISIS militants executed 21 Christians on the Libyan coast for refusing to renounce their faith. Milad Malak’s body was returned to his homeland several weeks after his death, and on October 28, his loved ones honored his memory, recognizing him as a martyr for his faith.