Egyptian Coptic Christian Killed by Militants in Libya

Milad Malak, a 20-year-old Coptic Christian deacon from Sebarbay, Egypt, was killed by Islamic State militants in Libya in early October. Malak had traveled to Libya in September to seek employment amid economic difficulties in his home country. On October 4, he was abducted in Zliten alongside two Muslim companions.

While the militants released Malak’s companions after their families paid a $4,700 ransom, they refused to release Malak. According to his sister, Madonna Malek, the captors demanded that he renounce his Christian faith. Reports indicate that Malak refused to convert, leading to his death. His body was eventually returned to his family, and a funeral service was held on October 28.

Libya is currently ranked as one of the most dangerous countries for Christians by advocacy groups like Open Doors. This incident has drawn comparisons to the 2015 execution of 21 Christians in the region, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by migrant workers and religious minorities in the area.