Posted by Joe on: 02.07.2009 /
I’ve just heard that my friend Philip Rizk has been arrested in Egypt whilst peacefully participating in a Gaza solidarity march.
Philip is a regular contributor to Jim Wallis’ God’s Politics blog and for many years has been passionate in raising the profile of the population of Gaza and spent years living there - somewhere few other Christians would go. Last year I was to go with him to Gaza but things got too difficult.
Philip Rizk arrested in Egypt
more information here
Comment by: Helen
1Joe, I’m sorry to hear about Philip’s arrest.
How do you know him? Where did you meet?
Comment by: Joe
2Long story. I met him in the Jerusalem old city.
Comment by: Joe
3According to Reuters, the Egyptians are refusing to admit to having him in custody: http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKTRE51617J20090207
Comment by: Sarah Kielsmeier-Jones
4Hey all,
We’re trying to make one place to get information about Phil, we’ve created a group on Facebook: “Support and Prayer for the Safe Release of Philip Rizk” http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=62997328834
Please join and submit any info you hear!
Comment by: joe
5Eyewitness report here: http://allthegoodnameshadgone.blogspot.com/2009/02/kidnapping-of-philip-rizk.html
Comment by: Airika Pope
6Please continue to pray and advocate for Phil in any way that you can. I went to college with him at Wheaton and he is a wonderful young man. Lots of good information about how you can help is on the Facebook group referenced above. I also just wrote to the Seattle Times to try to get them to cover the story. All media is good.
More info is here:
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/02/08/news/ML-Egypt-Activist-Detained.php
http://www.benwhite.org.uk/blog/?p=623
http://en-gb.facebook.com/group.php?gid=62997328834
Comment by: joe
7This appears to be a rapidly changing situation. Overnight the Rizk family had a visit from the secret police who attempted to arrest Philip’s father.
We are still hoping for a speedy resolution to this situation.
Comment by: joe
8The family have had further visits from police today, both secret and ordinary. Things are not looking good, so we’d appreciate anyone reading this doing anything they can to help Philip’s release.
Comment by: joe
9He is free this morning. And in one piece. Phew.
Comment by: Elaine
10Joe - thanks for the update. What a trauma for your friend and his family. It is such a relief to know he is released…but what next?
It does not sound like a good situation for him or his family or others.
Comment by: Helen
11That’s great news, Joe. Thanks for letting us know.