A wave of violent assaults targeting Christians in Egypt, coupled with the arrest of a man who converted from Islam to Christianity, has drawn international attention. The U.S. State Department has publicly called for Egypt, a predominantly Muslim country, to uphold the right to religious freedom for all its citizens.

The plight of Egypt’s Christian minority is not only a critical issue for religious liberty but also has wider implications for the nation, which is a significant recipient of American aid, receiving $1.3 billion annually. Thus, the international spotlight on Egypt continues to intensify.

Raymond Ibrahim, a noted expert on the dynamics of Christian communities within the Muslim world, highlights on the Gatestone Institute’s website the case of Said Mansour Rezk Abdelrazek. As a high-profile example of religious persecution, Abdelrazek’s story underscores the broader struggles for religious freedom in Egypt, as his case has gained significant attention.

Converting to Christianity back in 2016, Abdelrazek has since endured relentless persecution, including years of harassment, arrest, and mistreatment. His case took a dire turn on April 13 when prosecutors advanced the matter to a terrorism court. His defense team has faced obstruction, being denied access to crucial case documents. Despite these challenges, Abdelrazek remains detained, and advocacy groups report he has been subjected to torture, physical abuse, deprivation of necessary medical treatment, and repeated trial delays.

In another case, the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) reported that a mob of Muslims tossed stones at a church in Upper Egypt on July 8, injuring Christians and causing damage to the building and a priest’s car.

Just days later, a group of men attacked the Rev. Matta Roushdy, 49, a priest at the Virgin Mary and St. Abanoub Coptic Orthodox Church in Dahab, South Sinai Governorate.

A State Department spokesperson told News Media that President Donald Trump has stated, “America will always defend the right of every person to live out their faith openly, freely, and without fear.” The spokesperson added, “Religious freedom is a fundamental American value. We aspire for all others to enjoy the same freedom, protection, and benefits.”

However, there has been some progress in combating bias against Coptic Christians. The organization Coptic Solidarity wrote last week that a breakthrough unfolded with respect to the alleged longstanding discrimination against Coptic athletes in soccer.

“In an unprecedented move, Egypt’s Ministry of Youth and Sports announced that its investigation found sufficient evidence of misconduct by a coach at Alexandria’s Al-Ittihad Club who allegedly excluded a junior football player, Makari Younan, because of his Christian name,” the organization announced.

It added, “The decision deserves recognition. Whether motivated by public pressure or a genuine policy shift, the Ministry’s response represents a notable departure from the longstanding official tendency to dismiss such allegations.”

The organization continued, “It appears to be the first official acknowledgment that discrimination against Copts in Egyptian sport is not merely an allegation raised by disappointed families or human rights organizations, but a matter requiring government intervention.”

Open Doors, a global organization that aids persecuted Christians around the world, said of the attack on the priest, “These types of attacks are usually committed by members of radical Islamist groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood.”

Their statement added, “Their actions reflect a broader anti-Christian sentiment, especially in rural and village societies across the country where weak law enforcement leaves Christians vulnerable to attack. Though violent cases like this have decreased in the last decade, these attacks will continue until the state takes anti-Christian fanaticism as seriously as it deserves.”

News Media sent multiple press query emails to the Egyptian embassies in Washington and Tel Aviv and called the embassy in Washington.

Dalia Ziada, an Egyptian Middle East scholar and research fellow at the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy, told News Media, “These cases represent only a small fraction of what Coptic Christians endure in Egypt every day. We are speaking about a population of more than 20 million Egyptians. On paper, they are labeled a minority. In reality, they are at the essence of Egyptian identity. They are the preservers of the country’s history and cultural memory.”

According to Ziada, “Women and Coptic Christians constitute President El-Sisi’s most important political base. These were the two vulnerable groups that felt most threatened by the Muslim Brotherhood in the aftermath of the Arab Spring. They strongly supported El-Sisi then, and they continue to support him today. Consequently, he must maintain the appearance of protecting and pleasing them by visiting their church on Christmas every year. But beyond that, nothing is actually happening to make them less vulnerable.”

The U.S. State Department 2025 report on Christians depicts a bleak situation for the Egyptian Christian community. The community makes up an estimated 10% of the nation’s 120 million people.

According to the State Department report on Egyptian Christians, “Despite efforts for greater representation, Christians remain underrepresented in senior positions across the public sector. Currently, only two Christians – the minister of local development and the minister of parliamentary affairs – serve in Egypt’s 31-member cabinet,” wrote the State Department, adding: “Of 27 appointed governors, only one is Christian. In the senate, 24 Christians (17 elected and seven appointed) hold seats, out of 300 senators. One serves as deputy speaker. A Coptic Christian is the head of the constitutional court. No Christian serves as president of any of the country’s 27 public universities. Employment discrimination against Christians – especially within the security services, judiciary, and senior civil service – remains a significant issue.”

According to an April 29 Christian Today report, a Coptic Christian YouTuber, Augustinos Samaan, was sentenced to five years in prison for insulting Islam because he published videos defending the Christian faith.

Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber has chimed in on the speculation surrounding Christian Pulisic’s potential move to New York City FC, encouraging the U.S. soccer sensation to consider the switch and “spread your wings” in MLS.

Garber shared his thoughts during a segment on “One Nation With Brian Kilmeade” on Fox News. The discussion revolved around the league’s trajectory following the completion of the World Cup.

Interest in Pulisic from NYCFC initially emerged in June. During an interview with The Post, the club’s CEO, Brad Sims, confirmed their keen interest in signing the Pennsylvania-born star, reinforcing the rumors.

As NYCFC anticipates relocating to a new stadium in Queens next year, Garber expressed support for the club’s pursuit of the high-profile player.

“Signing Christian Pulisic would be a remarkable move for them,” Garber stated. “I believe he would thrive in our league, and that the league could offer him significant opportunities. Think of this as a chance for him to replicate what Landon Donovan achieved—coming to MLS, becoming a star, and being close to home in Pennsylvania. I truly hope they make it happen.”

Pulisic’s contract with his current club, AC Milan, runs through June 2027 and the club holds an option to extend the deal another year. 

AC Milan has also said that they are not interested in moving Pulisic, which Sims acknowledged in his conversation with The Post in June, but it’s unclear how much longer Pulisic is interested in staying with the Italian club. 

Speaking earlier this month at an MLS media event in midtown Manhattan, Sims told reporters that the club is “believers that Christian is going to want to play in MLS, wants to be back home.” 

“At whatever point in time that is, we would think and hope that New York City FC would be very high on his list of teams that he would want to play for,” he said. 

While Pulisic has been one of the biggest names in American soccer, he struggled during the World Cup and faced criticism for his play during the tournament, which saw the U.S. men’s national team eliminated in embarrassing fashion in the Round of 16 by the Belgians.

In a heart-wrenching tribute, the family of a British woman who traveled to the U.S. seeking a “violent death” has remembered her as the “gentlest soul.” Despite finding herself entangled in a dark path after meeting a man through an online fetish chatroom, her loved ones are mourning their profound loss.

Sonia Exelby, aged 32, embarked on a fateful journey from Portsmouth to Marion County, Florida, where her life tragically ended on October 17 of last year.

The case has gripped attention as Dwain Hall, a 52-year-old father of two, was apprehended by authorities in connection with Exelby’s death. As the legal process unfolds, he stands to face trial before the year closes.

Investigators disclosed chilling details, noting that Exelby had recorded a video depicting her desires in graphic terms, directed at Hall regarding how she wanted her life to end.

Hampshire Constabulary announced their ongoing collaboration with U.S. authorities, highlighting the cross-continental effort to unravel the circumstances surrounding Exelby’s passing.

Relatives of Ms Exelby have now paid tribute to the digital content creator – saying her death has left an ’emptiness that can never be filled’.

They said: ‘Sonia was a truly beautiful person, inside and out.

‘She had the gentlest soul – so gentle that she chose to become vegan, because she couldn’t bear the thought of any animal suffering just so she could eat.

‘That was who she was – kind, compassionate, and full of quiet love.

‘She was incredibly talented. Sonia could play the piano so effortlessly, and when she sang, she had the voice of an angel. Being around her felt special – she brought a calmness and warmth that made everything feel a little lighter.

‘Sonia was one of those rare people who made you feel completely safe to be yourself. She never judged, never criticised – she simply accepted people as they were and loved them for it. That is something so many of us will carry with us forever.’

Ms Exelby, the youngest of six, was said to be ‘deeply loved by all her siblings’ – sharing an ‘especially close and special bond with her sister Sara’.

She was also said to have ‘built a life filled with that same love’, in particular with her ‘devoted’ partner of 15 years, Stevie.

‘Sonia had so many wonderful friends, who describe her as beautiful and caring. One wrote that they had “never known a soul with a bigger or purer heart, and nobody made me feel seen quite like she did”.

‘Sonia’s siblings describe her as the “softest most gentle soul”. She was softly spoken and always gave the best most intense hugs.

‘She was the baby out of us that kept us bound together. We will never get over losing her which has left an emptiness in our lives that can never be filled,’ the statement added.

In footage seen by police, Ms Exelby was described as sitting on a chair ‘looking dishevelled’ and with multiple bruises across her face, neck and breasts – after being tortured by Hall who told police he used the name ‘alphasadist’ on fetish websites.

Hall, who claimed Ms Exelby had also asked for rough sex, could be heard asking her why she is in the US to which she replied in tears: ‘Because I am an awful person,’ adding: ‘I’ve crushed everyone who ever loves me.’

Ms Exelby then went on to detail why she was an awful person before Hall asked her ‘how’ she wanted to die and to ‘describe it’.

Initially Ms Exelby refused to answer but eventually said she wanted ‘to be stabbed’.

Hall then said: ‘This is how you wanted to die, right?’

When asked if she was being forced to do anything against her will, she shook her head before Hall asked if she was ‘happy’ and getting what she wants – and she nodded.

Ms Exelby’s last moments were recorded in a 13-page indictment filed with the Florida Police Department investigating her murder.

The 32-year-old, who had well-documented mental health issues, flew out to Florida on October 10 and had a return flight booked three days later for October 13.

Her family, including her boyfriend Steve Hunt back in the UK, reported her missing when she wasn’t on board the return flight.

Mr Hunt posted an emotional plea for help in trying to find her – describing how she had flown to Tallahassee.

Posting several pictures of Sonia on Instagram he said: ‘We believe she has arranged to meet someone there and has got herself into an extremely vulnerable situation. That’s all I can really say on that.’

It emerged from the police report that Ms Exelby had suffered her family’s worst fears, with detectives in the US saying she had ‘travelled to the United States with the intention of meeting with online individuals who would be willing to kill her violently’.

They say evidence found on her computer had indicated she was ‘suicidal and travelling to the US to be possibly sexually abused, tortured and murdered by unknown individuals’.

She had also used the messenger platform Discord to contact friends back in the UK to tell them what was happening, in what police say was a ‘long and disjointed’ series of texts.

In them she wrote: ‘I’m sorry, he keeps taking my phone. He doesn’t trust me with it.’

She then added: ‘He made it clear, there was no way out unless I shoot him. I was questioning it last night. I can’t kill anyone.’

Ms Exelby later said: ‘I thought he’d do it quick and not give my mind time to stew and realise this is the last thing I’ll ever do to anyone if I don’t take this offer of shooting him.

‘He showed me how to use it and where to aim it. I’m so scared I’m so broken and in so much pain.

‘All I can do is lay here and doing what he wants makes him respect me enough not to do the things I really hate.’

Police eventually found her body in a woodland at Marion Oaks, while Hall was being questioned and she was identified via her fingerprints – a shovel found at his home had soil in it which matched the burial site.

Blood was also found on the handle, and it was later confirmed to be a positive match for Ms Exelby and an autopsy on her performed a week later showed she had been stabbed four times.

For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit www.thecalmzone.net/get-support 

Authorities are now on the trail of what they believe to be three individuals involved in the tragic mass shooting at Seattle Center on Sunday. The deadly incident resulted in three fatalities and left four others injured. Of the suspects, a 15-year-old has been apprehended in connection with the disturbing outbreak of violence.

According to a report by The Associated Press (AP) that references a court document from Seattle’s juvenile court, one of the individuals believed to be pulling the trigger was among those who lost their lives during the melee.

Initially, police stated the suspicion of two shooters. However, newly uncovered details suggest that the 15-year-old now in custody, along with a dead acquaintance discovered at the scene, might have exchanged gunfire with another as-yet unidentified suspect.

The search for the third suspect remains intense, with law enforcement conducting an active manhunt to bring the individual to justice.

Just hours earlier, officials said the 15-year-old was booked into juvenile detention on suspicion of firearms violations and first-degree assault. 

While the juvenile was expected to make an initial court appearance Monday, The AP reported that the teen waived the hearing.

No homicide charges have been filed against the teen.

“We believe this teenager opened fire in the crowd, but details are still under investigation,” Mayor Katie Wilson said. 

Seattle Police Department Chief Shon Barnes said investigators believe gunfire was exchanged outside the Seattle Center Armory, leaving multiple bystanders caught in the crossfire.

Police believe the shooting stemmed from a conflict between small groups who appear to be at odds with each other.

Officials said a 19-year-old man and a 44-year-old man died at the scene despite life-saving efforts by first responders. 

A 56-year-old woman was also transported to a local hospital in critical condition, where she later died. 

Four other victims were injured, including a 2-year-old boy, a 23-year-old man, a 39-year-old woman and a 40-year-old woman. Officials said these victims either suffered minor injuries or have been discharged from the hospital.

Police are also investigating whether a 27-year-old man who self-transported to a hospital was an eighth victim. His involvement has not yet been confirmed.

Harborview Medical Center spokesperson Susan Gregg previously said the injuries to four patients involved an arm, abdomen and legs

Wilson called the shooting “an act of horrific violence.”

“Impacted families are living through the worst moment of their lives, and an entire community is trying to understand how a gathering built around culture, connection, and joy ended in gunfire,” Wilson said in a statement. “No one should have to weigh the risk of being shot before attending an event, gathering with friends, or experiencing their city.”

The venue was hosting the Bite of Seattle food festival over the weekend.

“Our first responsibilities are supporting grieving families, caring for the injured, and providing clear and accurate information for the public,” the mayor said.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson previously said he was receiving briefings and State Patrol SWAT officers responded to the scene to assist Seattle Police.

“My prayers are with the families of the victims, and the responders as they work to keep people safe,” the governor said on X.

News Media reached out to the Seattle Police Department for additional information.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., said she was “absolutely horrified” by the shooting.

“My heart goes out to the victims and their families, and all those impacted by this senseless violence.”

“I am grateful to the officers and first responders who are at the scene and working to protect our community, as well as the frontline medical professionals who are treating survivors,” she said on X. “Tonight, we grieve with our community in Seattle as well as those around the country affected by gun violence and mass shootings.”

King County Executive Girmay Zahilay similarly said he was “horrified” by the violence.

“As someone who grew up in this community, I know what this event means to so many families, young people, and neighbors across our region,” he said in a statement. “For years, the Bite has been one of Seattle’s signature summer traditions. To see violence at a place that brings so many people together is heartbreaking and unacceptable.”

Kayla Carris, 22, said she was sitting outside the Armory at the Bite of Seattle when people began to scream and run for cover inside the Seattle Center Armory.

“Everyone was just throwing stuff and running,” Carris told The Seattle Times. “Like everyone.”

Todd Behrends, 59, said he heard what appeared to be several rounds of shots.

People began running and jumping over each other to escape, Behrends told the outlet. One woman fell, and someone stepped on her leg.

Behrends said he saw a woman on the ground and a man on a stretcher as he ran toward an exit.

The White House has swiftly responded after singer John Mellencamp openly criticized President Donald Trump’s decision regarding the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico.

During a performance in Holmdel, New Jersey on Saturday night, Mellencamp paused his show to ridicule Trump’s executive order to rename the “Gulf of Mexico” as the “Gulf of America.”

In a statement released on Monday, Davis Ingle, a White House spokesman, expressed dismissive sentiments through Fox News Digital. “No rational person is interested in the opinions of disconnected, woke Hollywood figures,” Ingle remarked.

As Mellencamp embarked on his “Dancing Words” Tour, he engaged the audience by singing the opening lines of his popular song “Pink Houses” before speaking directly to the crowd.

He sang, “Well, there’s people and more people/ What do they know, know, know?/ Go to work in some high rise/ And vacation down at the Gulf of Mexico,” and then paused, saying “Wait a minute,” as reported by USA Today.

While Mellencamp’s band kept playing, the musician said sarcastically, “The Gulf of Mexico? Is that right? It’s not the Gulf of America? What a stupid f–—-g idea.”

Mellencamp then picked right back up and finished performing “Pink Houses.”

Released in 1983, Mellencamp’s “Pink Houses” became one of his signature hits, reaching No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.

While many listeners initially embraced it as a patriotic anthem, Mellencamp has said the song is actually a sharp commentary on the American dream, exploring themes of class, inequality and the gap between ideals and reality.

The song was inspired by Mellencamp spotting a man sitting outside a small pink house along an Indiana highway, an image that sparked the iconic chorus, “Ain’t that America.”

SAN FRANCISCO — OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, recently unveiled a significant breakthrough in artificial intelligence, announcing that AI technology has reached a pivotal stage where it can enhance its own capabilities. This development is expected to trigger an era of rapid advancements, which could become challenging to regulate entirely.

This critical juncture, often referred to as the singularity, holds the promise of substantial societal advancements. Altman highlighted these potential benefits in what appeared to be a response to growing concerns expressed by critics worried about AI’s impact on society with its widespread utilization.

Expressing his thoughts on a recent episode of the podcast “Relentless,” released on Saturday, Altman remarked, “We’ve reached the singularity. This is the very scenario we used to discuss—half-jokingly—in casual conversations over lunch.”

“This is a moment I’ve been eagerly anticipating all my life,” Altman continued, exuding optimism. “The implications for the world are immense, overwhelmingly positive, and quite thrilling.”

Altman’s comments arrived shortly after OpenAI disclosed what it termed as an unprecedented autonomous AI-driven cyber attack—a testament to the rapid strides being made in AI technology.

MORE: OpenAI says its AI technology acted on its own in an ‘unprecedented’ hack of another company

Zendaya cemented her status as a fashion icon alongside her husband Tom Holland at the glitzy premiere of Spider-Man: Brand New Day in Los Angeles on Monday night.

Embodying elegance and edge, the 29-year-old actress stunned in a striking black avant-garde gown by Ashi Studio. The dress featured a plunging neckline and dramatic ruffles that accentuated her hips while she captivated onlookers at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

Adding an extra dose of allure, the ensemble boasted a black satin corset adorned with unique antennae detailing and a cascading train that swept to one side.

Radiating retro glam, the star of “The Odyssey” completed her look with gelled, finger-wave bangs meticulously styled against her forehead and a dramatic smoky eye, accompanied by a glossy nude lip artfully crafted by makeup artist Ernesto Casillas.

The daring design of the gown offered a tantalizing glimpse of skin, subtly revealing a ‘t’ tattoo on her torso, a sentimental tribute to Holland.

As for her jewels, Zendaya, who portrays MJ in the film, wore Maison Boucheron’s Lavalliere Diamants pendant earrings.

She gave a clever nod to the movie by wearing black heels adorned with a striking lifelike spider.

Sparkling on her finger was her stunning diamond wedding ring. 

Meanwhile Holland – whose performance in Christopher Nolan’s $250million epic The Odyssey was recently roasted by critics as ‘comic book basic’ – wore a custom Jacquemus red suit for the event.

The outfit featured a matching bright red shirt underneath along with a navy tie.

His wife was pictured laughing it up as they posed in front of the shutterbugs and sweetly held hands at one point.

Holland steps back into the iconic suit as Peter Parker for the latest installment, taking on the legendary web-slinger role once played by Tobey Maguire. 

Their new film will be released in cinemas on July 31.

The premiere comes as Tom and Zendaya’s latest movie The Odyssey has already set critical and audience review records.

Figures show from just under one week of The Odyssey’s wide release, July 17, the movie’s total haul is $303million worldwide, with likely another $15-20million coming in when Wednesday’s figures arrive. 

But with the couple’s upcoming Spider-Man movie set to be released in days, fans will have to see which film becomes the top-grossing film of the year, as Brand New Day is currently breaking ticket pre-sale records for the opening weekend and first week.

It comes after Tom and Zendaya recreated a series of snaps a decade on from their first Spider-Man press tour.

The couple famously met on the set of Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2016.

Fast forward ten years, and the pair are now married and back on the promotional trail for their latest Spider-Man film.

Taking to Instagram, Zendaya reshared a post from Sony Pictures featuring side-by-side photos of the pair recreating poses from their very first press tour together.

In one snap, Zendaya looked effortlessly chic in a white skirt and black tank top, while Tom mirrored his original pose beside her.

The post also included the pair recreating photos with their co-star Jacob Batalon, who plays Ned Leeds.

Sony captioned the nostalgic carousel: ’10 years ago already’.

Elsewhere at the premiere Sadie Sink stunned in a backless Prada gown. Her role in the upcoming flick remains strictly under wraps. 

Meanwhile, Zendaya and Holland’s fellow Odyssey star Jon Bernthal – who stars as Frank Castle, also known as The Punisher – was joined by daughter Adeline Bernthal at the premiere. 

Michael B. Jordan rocked a Spider-Man t-shirt for the occasion.

Pierce Brosnan’s son Paris, 25, enjoyed a date night with girlfriend Alex Lee-Aillon, who looked chic in a black mini dress. Paris is Brosnan’s youngest son with wife Keely Shaye Smith.

Will Smith’s sons Jaden and Trey proved to be a stylish duo as they stepped out looking effortlessly cool at the premiere.

Zendaya’s appearance comes after she recently revealed that she plans on taking a break from Hollywood after fitting five projects and a wedding to Holland into the past 12 months.

The actress said that she plans to ‘disappear for a little bit’ following the jam-packed year.

The American star spoke about what she plans to do next at the New York premiere of The Odyssey earlier this month.

Fans also saw her reprise her role of troubled drug-addict Rue in HBO’s Euphoria, as well as opposite Robert Pattinson in The Drama and Dune: Part Three.

Zendaya also voices a new character in Shrek 5, which is slated for a June 2027 release, meaning she has more than had her hands full.

When asked by Entertainment Tonight reporter Emily Curl about what she will do with her time off, she said: ‘Oh girl, nothing. Just mind my business, you know? And stay to myself.’

Zendaya went on: ‘This is such a whirlwind, and you’re kind of like in a new place every second, and your brain is kind of all over the place.

‘It’s fun and I’m grateful, and I wouldn’t change a thing, but sometimes you need to just, you know, disappear for a little bit.’