62-year-old Christian executed

Nabil Habashi Salama (Photo: Christian Solidarity Worldwide)

A Coptic Christian abducted by the Islamic State last November has been executed.

Nabil Habashi Salama, 62, was executed on 18 April, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) confirmed, with footage of his murder being paraded on IS media platforms. 

His son Peter told the Egyptian newspaper Watani that it looked like his father had been tortured by the militants before being killed because his teeth appeared to be broken.

"We were forced to close our businesses and leave our homes to another city and we continue to receive threats," he added. 

Mr Salama was a successful businessman, owning several jewellery and mobile phone businesses in Bir Al-Abed, Northern Sinai. 

He was also a committed Christian who built the town's only church, Saint Mary & Anba Karas & St Abanob Church.

He was abducted from the town by IS in broad daylight, with the terrorists demanding a ransom of 5 million Egyptian pounds (around £230,000) for his release. 

CSW sources said Mr Salama was killed as a "warning" to Egypt's Christian community that they will be next if they remain loyal to the Egyptian state and army. 

CSW's Founder President Mervyn Thomas said: "We extend our deepest condolences to Mr Salama's family and the Coptic community in Egypt."

News
Christian lawyers who defended nurses over single-sex changing room celebrate court win
Christian lawyers who defended nurses over single-sex changing room celebrate court win

Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, which supported the nurses, said, "Allowing a man into a female-only space because he claims to be a woman violates human dignity, common sense, the law of the land and  biblical truth."

UK abortion figures reach highest level on record as campaigners urge rethink of current law
UK abortion figures reach highest level on record as campaigners urge rethink of current law

The figures mark the highest annual total since the introduction of the Abortion Act in 1967.

Church of South India stages protest against anti-Christian descrimination
Church of South India stages protest against anti-Christian descrimination

India has dropped a spot on the list of worldwide persecutors, but the situation remains much the same.

Church of England ends Living in Love and Faith process
Church of England ends Living in Love and Faith process

The Church of England's House of Bishops has announced it is bringing the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) process to a close.