An Egyptian Christian has reportedly been killed by Islamic State (IS) militants in Libya after refusing to renounce his faith in Jesus Christ, according to a the Christian persecution watchdog Open Doors.
In a report published on November 2, 2026, Open Doors identified the victim as Milad Malak, 20, who was reportedly among a group of Egyptian workers abducted by IS militants in the Libyan city of Zliten.
Malak had travelled from his home village of Sebarbay in Egypt to Libya in search of employment amid economic difficulties.
He was reportedly travelling with two Muslim friends from his village when the three were kidnapped.
According to the organisation, Malak’s companions were later released and recounted how the militants discovered that he was the only Christian among the captives.
The militants allegedly pressured him to abandon Christianity, subjecting him to threats and torture over several days.
Despite the pressure, Malak reportedly refused to renounce his faith.
Open Doors said he was believed to have been killed by the militants following his refusal to convert to Islam.
Echoes of 2015 killings
Malak’s reported death recalls the killing of 21 Christians by IS militants in Libya in February 2015.
The victims comprised 20 Egyptian Coptic Christians and a Ghanaian Christian who had been abducted by the militant group.
They were taken to a beach and reportedly given an opportunity to renounce their faith before being beheaded.
The killings attracted international condemnation and renewed concerns over the persecution of Christians in Libya.
Open Doors has called for prayers for Malak’s family and loved ones following his reported death.
The organisation also expressed hope that his testimony of faith would inspire others, as the killing of the 21 Christians in 2015 did.
