Legal Complaint Seeks Reinstatement of Counseling Sessions to Address Rumors of Coptic Girls’ Disappearance

The Coptic Orthodox Church has initiated legal action to reinstate counseling and guidance sessions, which were suspended by an administrative decision from former Interior Minister Hisham el-Adly. The lawsuit, filed by Bishop Anba Sideros, seeks to resume these sessions as a legal and official measure to document the announcement of Islam and protect minor Coptic girls from exploitation. The sessions, which had been aligned with Egyptian law and human rights conventions, were halted over two decades ago and have not been reinstated since.

The legal complaint highlights the role of rumors in amplifying concerns about the disappearance of Coptic girls. These cases, described as individual instances with varying causes—such as emotional relationships, family pressures, or poverty—have been exacerbated by misinformation. The Coptic Orthodox Church argues that the suspension of counseling sessions has left a gap in addressing these issues, particularly for girls under the age of 18, who are more vulnerable to exploitation.

The lawsuit, numbered 76799 for the year 80, is being handled by lawyer Naji Gabriel, who is a Supreme Court lawyer and president of the Egyptian Union for Human Rights. Gabriel asserts that the suspension of counseling sessions was a violation of the Constitution and law, and that the sessions should be resumed as soon as possible to address the urgent need for legal and institutional support.

The complaint also references the broader context of citizenship and equality established by the Egyptian Constitution and affirmed by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The Coptic Orthodox Church emphasizes that these principles should extend to all citizens, including minority communities, to ensure protection and justice. The legal action underscores the importance of institutional accountability and the need for mechanisms that safeguard the rights and well-being of vulnerable individuals.

The case reflects a broader concern about the intersection of governance, legal integrity, and public trust. The suspension of counseling sessions has raised questions about institutional failures and the potential for misinformation to undermine faith and community cohesion. The Coptic Orthodox Church’s legal move aims to restore a measure that aligns with constitutional and legal standards, while addressing the root causes of the issues at hand.

The lawsuit calls for the reinstatement of counseling and guidance sessions, which are seen as a critical tool for documenting the announcement of Islam and preventing the exploitation of minor Coptic girls. The Church’s legal team is seeking a resolution that would allow these sessions to resume within the next September, emphasizing the urgency of the matter. The case highlights the need for transparency, legal compliance, and the protection of human rights within religious and institutional frameworks.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Arabic)