LIBYA: Imprisonment for Leaving Islam

Over three months ago, at least ten Libyan Christians were arrested for converting from Islam to Christianity. Two other believers, one from Nigeria and one from Pakistan, have also been arrested because of their association with these Libyan converts. All twelve arrested believers are being held on charges of proselytism (considered “instigating division” by governing officials) which carry a maximum sentence of death.

Islam remains the dominant religion in Libya and forms the basis for the country’s legal system. While there is no law explicitly prohibiting religious conversions, some Muslim leaders have argued that leaving Islam is an act of apostasy, which is punishable by death.