The Mahdi and his companions Protest at Egyptian Embassies Worldwide
- Sermad Al-Khafaji
- 7 hours ago
- 16 min read
History was made on March 13th 2026, 03.13.2026, when a protest organised by the members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light took the Egyptian embassies around the world by storm in a humiliating exposure of their abuses of basic Human Rights according to Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which Egypt is a signatory to since the 10th of December 1948. Article 18 of this universal declaration states that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion; and this includes the freedom to change one's religion or belief and to practice it alone or in community with others, both publicly and privately. A total of 15 Egyptian embassies around the world were confronted with protesters declaring their disapproval of the Egyptian authorities and their demands to have their fellow believing brothers released immediately.
What makes this landmark endeavour especially important is that the leader and founder of the religion, Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq, attended the demonstration in Central London outside the Egyptian Embassy himself. He stood shoulder to shoulder with his supporters on the street as they protested the harrowing abduction, unjust detention, and brutal mistreatment inflicted by the Egyptian authorities on 14 innocent men. The message was loud and clear; the Egyptian authorities must release the members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, who have been held without trial or formal charges brought against them for over a year, immediately.
London, United Kingdom - 03.13.2026
Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq was accompanied by 104 of his companions and supporters, and they arrived outside the Embassy by 10:00 a.m. They were also joined before midday by a further 11 believers who gathered from various parts of the United Kingdom. This brought the total number of protesters, including Aba Al-Sadiq, to 116. The air was filled with ardent anger directed at those oppressors who failed to provide the most basic of human rights. A second and then a third police van made an appearance, with officers asking to speak to the organiser Hadil Al-Khouly. Once they had spoken to her, they eased up with some officers departing, while others remained. Eventually, all the extra officers left, leaving the original two officers at the doors of the embassy by themselves. As the chanting grew in vigour, many members of the public came to enquire, some filming as they watched with interest. A short documentary recorded on the day gives a brief overview of what happened. The day drew to a close before 1:00 p.m. with Aba Al-Sadiq thanking the police officers in person and then leaving on foot with his companions to the boarding location of the buses. As the believers made their way back to the buses, they could not help but vociferously chant “Aba Al-Sadiq” through the streets of London proudly.
Dhaka, Bangladesh - 03.12.2026
The believers gathered in Dhaka and managed to attract the attention of local press outlet Infinity Bangla TV while they protested outside the Egyptian embassy with banners and placards detailing the persecution of the 14 detained believers in Egypt. During the gathering, one of the protestors delivered a powerful message in which he said:
“The Egypt that once illuminated the world with law and civilization is now being used as a state machinery to extinguish the light of its citizens’ faith. We have not come here today merely to lament; we have come to demand accountability for our rightful rights.”
The demands voiced during this peaceful protest were as follows:
Immediate release of all peaceful believers unlawfully detained or disappeared in Egypt
An end to torture in prisons and immediate access to proper medical treatment for detainees
An end to religious extremism and mob violence in Bangladesh, with protection for vulnerable communities and legal action against those who incite violence
The protest came to a natural end with the believers dispersing once they had accomplished their intended objective.
Bangkok, Thailand - 03.12.2026
At 10:15 a.m., 113 Thai citizens — including thirteen believers of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light gathered outside the Egyptian Embassy in Bangkok to peacefully protest. One message echoed loudly throughout the protest: “Faith is not a crime.”
One of the organisers spoke clearly about the injustice faced by the 14 Egyptian believers, calling the actions against them cruel and oppressive. The crowd of 113 Thai citizens stood united in agreement, expressing solidarity with those imprisoned for their beliefs. Several Thai police officers were present to ensure the protest remained peaceful and orderly.
During the demonstration, police communicated with embassy staff and informed the protesters that a senior official from the embassy would come down to receive a formal letter regarding the detained believers. At one point, an Egyptian man was seen coming downstairs from the embassy, but he appeared hesitant and fearful to approach the protesters and eventually decided not to engage with them.
According to the Thai police, senior officials from the embassy ultimately chose not to come down themselves, instead asking if a representative could receive the letter on their behalf. Shortly afterward, a Thai employee representing the Egyptian Embassy came down to receive the letter. Witnesses said she appeared shocked and frightened by the size and determination of the protest. The protesters’ position was made clear; if the Egyptian authorities remain silent and fail to act on the case, the protesters will return again to demonstrate in front of the embassy again and again.
The moment that the letter was handed over was witnessed and recorded by Thai media outlets, including Royal Thai Army Radio and Television Channel 5 and Thai Public Broadcasting Service. They conducted interviews with some of the organisers of the protest about the situation of the detained believers. The peaceful protest lasted nearly one hour before the crowd dispersed.
In another important development, one of the organisers, Chanon Kheansuwan, was also invited to speak on a Thai radio station on Saturday, the 21st of March, where he appeared on the Online Radio and Television Station, Association of Media and Arts People Network, to discuss the protest demanding the release of 14 believers detained in Egypt.
During the interview, Chanon emphasized that the protest was entirely grassroots, with no external sponsors. “All of us gathered by our own free will to call for justice,” he said. “Humanity comes first before Religion.” He stressed personal responsibility in advocating for human rights, noting, “If I don’t do it, who will?”
Chanon also highlighted small but important developments since the protest, including the permission for relatives to meet the detained members and growing international support for their cause. He stressed that similar actions might take place in the future if necessary.
The segment also introduced the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, with Chanon explaining its teachings of peace, forgiveness, and respect for humanity. He encouraged public dialogue and peaceful debate, stating that inquiries about the faith could be directed to him online. The broadcast, which also featured Mister Universe Thailand as a guest, was livestreamed on two Facebook pages, PSC TV News and the Volunteer Media and Arts Club, showcasing images of Chanon, Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq, and the protest. The hosts recognized Chanon as the first activist to publicly champion the cause of the persecuted Ahmadi members in Egypt.
Manila, Philippines - 03.13.2026
30 Filipino members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light gathered outside the Egyptian Embassy in Makati City. What was meant to be a peaceful public demonstration was reportedly restricted from the very beginning. Despite presenting a permit, the group said they were blocked by police officers and local MACEA (Makati Central Estate Association Inc) guards upon arrival. They were instructed not to raise placards and not to hold a rally, and were only allowed to take photographs outside the embassy.
According to participants, the Egyptian Embassy had filed a complaint regarding the planned protest. For the believers, this was seen as more than a procedural obstacle. It was an effort to silence peaceful voices, suppress freedom of expression, and prevent public attention from reaching the human rights abuses faced by the detained members in Egypt.
But their voices were not silenced. Unable to continue the protest as planned outside the embassy, Filipino believers and supporters came together and organized the event instead at the home of one of the believers. From there, they stood united, holding banners and placards, speaking out boldly against the persecution of their imprisoned brothers, and calling for their immediate release. Their message was clear; faith is not a crime, peaceful belief is not extremism, and unjust detention must end.
The gathering was also broadcast through an online livestream, allowing more people to witness their message of solidarity, courage, and human rights advocacy. The believers in the Philippines made it clear that they will continue raising awareness about the suffering of the detained members in Egypt and will not stop calling for justice.
Berlin, Germany - 03.13.2026
Twenty-four participants gathered at the Egyptian embassy in Berlin. The demonstration began at 10:30 a.m., when protesters arrived at the embassy 3 believers were already present and had noticed several embassy staff vehicles entering the compound earlier that morning.
Soon after, the group calmly took their positions outside the embassy, and around 11:00 a.m., a speech was delivered in Arabic addressing the detention of the 14 believers, calling for justice. Following that, a speech in German was conducted explaining the situation to those present and to passersby who had begun gathering nearby.
At the same time, Dennis, a journalist from “Laut-Werden”, joined the protest to report on the demonstration. Shortly after a second speech in Arabic had been delivered, police approached the group and asked that speeches not be expressed in Arabic, a request that surprised the protesters but did not stop the demonstration from continuing.
Around 11:15 a.m., the first visible reactions came from inside the embassy. Two individuals stepped outside and placed objects near the entrance while observing the protest. Not long after, embassy staff could be seen watching from the windows, some even recording or taking photos with their mobile phones. Meanwhile, more people began to notice the demonstration. Passersby stopped, observed from a distance, and some took photos. Two individuals, Dominik and Melanie, who had heard about the protest, decided to join the gathering in solidarity.
Later, one of the organisers addressed the crowd with a speech in German. As the protest gained attention, embassy staff were seen going to the nearby police station. According to Dominik, authorities had requested police protection for the embassy. Not long after, a black van arrived at the main entrance, leading some to speculate that employees might be preparing to leave the premises.
At around 11:30 a.m., journalist Dennis conducted interviews with the protesters; he mainly conducted an interview with the religion’s correspondent, Leo Weigel, asking key questions: “Who are you?”; “Why are you here?” “What happened to the detained believers?” and “What are your demands?” He directed the group to position themselves for clearer photos and quickly uploaded the interview online.
By 11:45 a.m., several embassy employees began leaving the building. As their vehicles passed the demonstration, many of them avoided eye contact, looking down instead of facing the protesters. Throughout the protest, passersby continued to express curiosity and interest, some pausing to observe and others capturing photos.
Madrid, Spain - 03.13.2026
After arriving at the location designated by the police near the embassy, the group began the demonstration by reading a prepared statement addressing the Egyptian Embassy. The statement called for the immediate release of the detained members in Egypt and defended the fundamental right of every person to practice and express their faith freely.
Throughout the gathering, one message remained at the heart of the protest - faith is not a crime.
During the demonstration, participants distributed posters and informational flyers to passersby to raise awareness about the case of the 14 detained believers in Egypt. Many people stopped to look at the large posters and listen as one of the organisers addressed the crowd through a megaphone. Several individuals also accepted flyers to learn more about the situation.
A photo journalist named David, who works for SO PA Images, was present at the scene and observed the demonstration, and his record of the day can be seen here.
Participants also noticed a woman who appeared to enter and leave the embassy several times while holding her phone up, seemingly taking photos of the protest, indicating that the gathering had drawn attention from inside the embassy.
Beyond the visible events, what made the day especially powerful was the sense of spiritual unity felt among the believers, and the voices shouting “Freedom for our brothers!” filled the protest with emotion and determination.
Paris, France - 03.13.2026
10 believers gathered outside the Egyptian Embassy in Paris, on Avenue d’Iéna. The group had travelled from different parts of France, as well as from Belgium and Germany, which made the gathering especially meaningful. Some believers had welcomed others for the night, creating a warm atmosphere of brotherhood and unity before the protest even began.
The believers arrived at around 10:00 a.m. and spent time together preparing their placards and banners before the protest began. At 11:00 a.m., they started demonstrating, despite the heavy rain. The authorities had given them a spot on the opposite side of the road, where they had enough space to express themselves. This came after they had responded to an initial refusal to allow the protest directly in front of the embassy.
Throughout the demonstration, the group chanted, held up banners, and read speeches about the case, calling for freedom for the 14 believers detained in Egypt. The rain continued the entire time, but the group remained dedicated and resolute. Those attending also noticed visible reactions from inside the embassy. People appeared at the windows, came out onto the balcony, and watched the protest closely. At one point, 2 individuals were sent out to take photos of the protestors. Even so, the demonstration remained peaceful and focused, and the believers were glad to have made their voices heard. The gathering in Paris was a beautiful example of solidarity, brotherhood, and shared purpose, as believers from different places came together to stand for the 14 and call for their release.
Belgrade, Serbia - 03.13.2026
Believers gathered in Belgrade, Serbia, during the gathering, and a prepared speech was delivered in Serbian in front of the embassy, making clear the central message of the day and calling for the freedom of the believers detained in Egypt because of their faith. Afterwards, the group of 9 continued together in a nearby park, maintaining the peaceful and respectful spirit of the gathering. The protest in Belgrade added another important voice to the growing international call being raised across multiple countries on the same day, as believers and supporters stood together for the 14 detained members in Egypt.
Athens, Greece - 03.13.2026
The demonstration began immediately upon the group’s arrival at 2:00 p.m.. Participants stood in front of the Egyptian embassy building holding banners and photographs to raise awareness about the situation of the detained believers. During the protest, one of the organisers delivered a speech in Arabic, calling for the immediate release of the incarcerated innocent members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light.
Following this, another 3 protesters addressed the gathering in Azeri, speaking about arbitrary arrests and the suppression of religious freedom, while demanding justice and the release of the detainees. The group remained and continued the protest for two hours, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., ensuring that their message was heard.
Warsaw, Poland - 03.13.2026
A total of 14 participants gathered outside the Egyptian Embassy in Warsaw for a peaceful demonstration that began at 11:40 a.m. As the group took their place, police officers and individuals connected to the embassy were seen taking photos and videos of the protesters. At around 12:00 p.m., one of the organisers addressed the crowd in Arabic, speaking about the detention of the 14 believers and calling for their release. This was followed by another protester, who also spoke in Arabic and highlighted the broader pattern of persecution faced by believers across Muslim countries since 2021.
Later, another organiser delivered a speech in English, addressing the Egyptian Embassy directly and drawing attention to the case of the detained believers. He then gave another speech in Azeri, calling on the Azerbaijani government to stop the crimes and acts of terror committed against AROPL members in Azerbaijan.
The protest also drew attention from the public; passing cars signaled in support as they went by, adding to the sense that the message was being seen and heard. Around 12:30 p.m., an embassy representative was noticed filming or taking photos from inside the building on a mobile phone. The demonstration concluded at 1:00 p.m., and the police thanked the participants for keeping the gathering peaceful and orderly. The protest in Warsaw became another clear sign that this issue is no longer hidden.
Ontario, Canada - 03.13.2026
The global call for justice continued in Ontario, Canada, where believers and supporters gathered outside the Egyptian Embassy at around 11:00 a.m. to speak out for the 14. Coming together from north, south, east, and west, the group united with one purpose: to protest the oppression faced by believers who have been illegally imprisoned for almost a year in Egyptian prisons, held in barbaric conditions, and denied the ability to properly defend themselves.
The Ansar were joined by a Twelver Shia who is not a member of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, but who came to stand in solidarity and to make a clear stand for human rights against injustice. Police were already present at the scene as the group arrived. Before beginning the protest, the believers stood together in a circle and made a prayer, asking God to speak through them and strengthen their message. They then began chanting and addressing the embassy directly with clear calls such as:
“Let our people go!” “Faith is not a crime!”
As the protest continued, the believers noticed the ambassador arriving in his car, which only strengthened their determination and resolve to make their message heard. Flyers were handed out to people entering and leaving the embassy, as well as to passersby in the area. The protest also drew reactions from the public, with some drivers passing by showing support with horns and thumbs up, while others responded differently.
Through it all, the believers remained vocal and peaceful, continuing to chant “Allahu Akbar” (God is Great) and “Labbayk Ya Aba Al-Sadiq (At your service O Aba Al-Sadiq!).”
Several people who received the flyers stopped to read them carefully. Some expressed immediate sympathy and concern, with one person reportedly saying:
“Oh my God, it is Egypt — of course they do that. They do it all the time.”
Others also showed visible signs of distress and support as they learned more about the case.
Washington D.C., United States of America - 03.13.2026
Those gathered in Washington raised their voices not only to demand freedom for the detainees, but also to draw attention to what they described as the unlawful imprisonment and torture of the innocent members of their faith. Protesters stressed that these individuals have been held for nearly a year solely because of their religious beliefs and that their case must not be ignored.
Embassy staff were present and observed the protest closely. The demonstration also drew attention from the surrounding neighbourhood, as chants and speeches could be heard beyond the immediate area of the embassy. Passersby stopped to watch, ask questions, and learn more about the case.
The protest remained peaceful and orderly throughout, while carrying a strong sense of urgency. Participants kept the focus on the central demand of the day: freedom for the 14 imprisoned believers in Egypt. The gathering also served as a direct appeal to several bodies, including the Egyptian government, the United States Department of State, international human rights organisations, and the media, urging them to take meaningful action, investigate the case, and increase public awareness.
Copenhagen, Denmark - 03.13.2026
The gathering began at 11:00 a.m., with the police previously informed of the demonstration. Officers were present at the scene and allowed the group to stand a short distance from the embassy gate.
During the protest, the believers spoke about how the issue has drawn international attention. They pointed out that the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has highlighted the case, placing the spotlight on the actions of the Egyptian authorities. Participants also shared that they had sent letters and emails to the embassy on behalf of the detained believers but had not yet received any response.
At one point during the protest, an embassy staff member came outside and asked the demonstrators about the case. The believers took the opportunity to clearly explain the situation of the detainees and the reasons for their gathering. The protest continued with speeches and chants emphasizing that the detained believers have reportedly faced torture and persecution simply for following the same faith.
Their message was delivered with tenacity ensuring that those nearby could hear and understand the purpose of the gathering. The demonstration also attracted the attention of passersby. Several people stopped to watch and learn about the case, and many were moved by what they heard. In a particularly meaningful moment, one individual chose to pledge allegiance to Aba Al-Sadiq, expressing support for the cause and the principle of “Humanity Before Religion.”
Mumbai, India - 03.13.2026
The protest began outside the consulate gate, where participants stood peacefully and raised their voices for justice. Speeches were then delivered, calling attention to the suffering of the detained believers and the urgent need for their release. After some time, consulate security approached the group and took 2 participants upstairs to the office. They asked why the protest was taking place and what was happening outside. According to those present, the staff recorded videos and appeared concerned by the demonstration.
Around 15 to 20 minutes later, local police officers from the nearby police station arrived at the scene. The believers explained the reason for the protest clearly, after which the whole group was taken to the police station for further questioning.
At the station, each participant was questioned individually. Officers asked about Aba Al-Sadiq, the motive behind the protest, and the purpose of the group’s mission. Personal details were also recorded. Later, the matter was referred to a senior IPS (Indian Police Service) officer, the DCP (Deputy Commissioner of Police) of Mumbai, who invited a few members into his office. He explained that he did not want to file a case against them, but was personally curious to know more about "Hashem". The believers then explained the call, the case of the AROPL members, and the mission and message of Aba Al-Sadiq. The discussion lasted for around 30 to 45 minutes. In the end, the officer expressed appreciation for their sincerity and said that they were not doing anything wrong. He advised them to continue to respect law and order, and afterwards, the group was released. Most importantly, the believers were told that their message had been clearly delivered to the Egyptian authorities present at the consulate.
Jakarta, Indonesia - 03.13.2026
The demonstration in Jakarta began after participants first arrived at the station at 10:30 a.m., gathered at the assembly point at 11:00 a.m., and then started the protest outside the embassy at 12:30 p.m. The action continued peacefully until 2:30 p.m.
Participants carried posters and banners bearing the message #FreeAROPLMembers, along with statements declaring that faith should never be treated as a crime. Through speeches and a solidarity statement, they called attention to the detention of the AROPL members in Egypt and the wider issue of religious freedom.
During the protest, it was also emphasized that the case has drawn concern internationally, with various organizations highlighting it as part of the broader issue of violations of religious freedom. Participants noted that the #FreeAROPLMembers campaign has gained increasing attention since late 2025, with support from activists, public figures, and international media.
In addition to demanding the release of the detained believers, the protesters also called for an independent investigation into reports of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, and inhumane treatment said to have taken place during their imprisonment.
The event remained calm and orderly throughout, with participants using the opportunity to make their message heard clearly and respectfully. Their hope was that public awareness and international attention would help encourage concrete steps to protect religious freedom and uphold the human rights of all people without discrimination.
In conclusion, the 13th of March or 03.13.2026 was a resounding success. The Egyptian embassies in multiple parts of the world were confronted with the peaceful energy of focused love for freedom of belief which has never been seen before. More significantly, the Riser from the Family of Mohammed, Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq showed that a truly Divinely appointed leader and righteous shepherd stands with his people and does not abandon them when their situation is difficult. He stood firm with his companions raising his voice in the face of tyrannical oppression and the Earth trembled in their presence.
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