A 20-year-old Egyptian Coptic Christian, identified as Milad Malak, has reportedly been killed by Islamic State militants in Libya after refusing to abandon his Christian faith. Malak was a church deacon from Sebarbay village in Egypt’s northern Gharbia Governorate. He travelled to Libya on 2 September 2026 in search of employment, hoping to improve his financial circumstances and support his family. He made the journey alongside two Muslim friends from his village, but their search for work reportedly ended in tragedy when they were kidnapped by Islamic State militants in the Libyan city of Zliten in early October.
According to accounts provided by his two Muslim companions, who were subsequently released, the militants discovered that Malak was the only Christian among the kidnapped workers. He was allegedly subjected to torture, threats and repeated pressure to renounce Christianity and convert to Islam. His family also reportedly attempted to secure his release by paying a ransom, but the militants refused to release him because of his religious identity. Despite the threats and pressure, Malak reportedly remained committed to his Christian faith until his death. His body was eventually returned to his family, and relatives and fellow Christians gathered to mourn him on 28 October 2026.
His death has drawn renewed attention to the dangers facing Christians in Libya, where religious minorities continue to experience serious threats from extremist groups and armed militants. The incident also recalls the 2015 killing of 21 Christian men, including 20 Egyptians and one Ghanaian, by Islamic State militants in Libya after they refused to renounce their faith. His reported killing serves as another reminder of the vulnerability of migrant workers and religious minorities in areas affected by extremism, insecurity and weak protection for human rights.
