Global Momentum Builds in "Free AROPL Members" Campaign

In a world where freedom of religion or belief remains a cornerstone of international human rights standards, the prolonged arbitrary detention of members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) in Egypt has sparked global concern. More than a dozen adherents of this minority faith have been held for over ten months solely for exercising their fundamental right to practice their beliefs.

Launched on December 19, 2025, the #FreeAROPLMembers campaign seeks to amplify these voices, urging Egyptian authorities to uphold universal human rights obligations by releasing those detained and ceasing discriminatory practices against non-state-approved religious groups.

The detentions trace back to March 2025, when Egyptian security forces carried out "forced disappeareances" and arrested the individuals on charges of "joining a group established in violation of the constitution and the law." Among those affected are Hussein Mohammed Al-Tenawi, Omar Mahmoud Abdel Maguid, and Hazem Saied Abdel Moatamed, who, according to reports from their families, endured torture or other forms of ill-treatment during interrogation: such as severe beatings, electrocution of genitals, food and sleep deprivation, cold cells, lack of medical treatment and refusal of legal representation and visitations for some time. The AROPL 14 have been in prison for over ten months now.

They remain in inhumane conditions at the 10th of Ramadan Prison, highlighting broader issues of custodial abuse and the suppression of religious pluralism in the country. Human rights advocates emphasize that such actions contravene Egypt's commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which prohibits arbitrary arrest and guarantees freedom from discrimination based on religion.

In response, AROPL's human rights team initiated a one-month advocacy drive aimed at raising international visibility. The campaign leverages social media to tag the Egyptian public prosecutor and encourages direct appeals to Egyptian embassies worldwide. Participants engage across multiple platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, fostering a coordinated effort to spotlight the case.

Key activities include:

• Coordinated Social Media Posting: Supporters share a dedicated campaign video alongside AROPL messages during region-specific time slots. They interact by commenting on each other's content and using the hashtag #FreeAROPLMembers to build online momentum.

• Video Testimonies of Solidarity: Individuals record and post short videos expressing support, tagging the Egyptian public prosecutor and linking to Amnesty International's Urgent Action alerts to broaden the call for justice.

• Letters to Egyptian Embassies: On designated days, participants send unified letters to embassies around the globe, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the detainees.

• Outreach to Influencers: Campaigners contact human rights advocates and public figures in their countries via social media, inviting them to lend their platforms to the cause.

Over a week in, #FreeAROPLMembers gains momentum beyond the AROPL community. German influencer Nadine Zipiles declares: “Freedom of religion is a human right.” She also shared two videos in solidarity.

Just over a week into the initiative, early indicators point to growing traction beyond the AROPL community. Notably, German influencer Nadine Zipiles has voiced her support, stating:

Freedom of religion is not a luxury, it is a human right. When a religion is persecuted because it preaches peace, love, and equality, then this religion is not the problem, then it's the system.

Additionally, Egyptian actor Amr Waked, with over six million followers on X, amplified the message by reposting campaign content, potentially exposing the issue to a vast audience within and outside Egypt.

Egyptian actor Amr Waked, celebrated for roles in Syriana, Lucy, and Geostorm, and a dedicated advocate for human rights and freedom of expression.

This is the "Repost" mention of the #FreeAROPLMembers campaign, which received over a thousand views in the very first moments of posting, proving celebrity backing of Human Rights Campaigns gains big support abroad.

The campaign's international scope underscores its appeal, with participants hailing from diverse countries such as Turkey, Jordan, France, Switzerland, the United States, the United Kingdom, Iraq, and Nigeria. This global participation reflects a shared commitment to defending religious freedoms and challenging impunity for human rights violations.

Advocates involved in the effort express optimism that sustained pressure through visibility and advocacy will compel Egyptian authorities to act. As one AROPL human rights representative noted in an interview:

The strategy hinges on creating unrelenting awareness to ensure the detainees' plight cannot be ignored.

While the campaign continues through January 2026, it serves as a reminder of the power of collective action in holding states accountable to human rights norms.

For those seeking to engage, resources including templates for letters and social media posts are available through AROPL channels. The pursuit of justice for these individuals not only addresses their immediate suffering but also advances the broader fight against religious intolerance worldwide.

Vist the official platforms of the #FreeAROPLMembers Human Rights campaign on TwitterX, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @FreeAROPL