A Coptic Christian from Egypt is battling for a court ruling to allow him to remain in the United States and avoid the sure torture he would face under Egypt's Islamic law, according to his supporters.

Sameh Khouzam, 38, who has been in the United States for about nine years already, is facing a court date June 18, when a decision will be announced on that deportation order.

His supporters say the issue is the torture he would face if returned to Egypt, which he fled under threats from Muslims who demanded that he and his family members convert to Islam.

"We need your help right NOW!!!" says a campaign being run by an organization called Coptic News.

A spokesman, Sam Grace, said because Egypt's constitution says that laws derive from the Quran, the persecution of Christians there is not only allowed, but endorsed, by government officials.

"In the last 10 years, more than 5,000 Christians have been massacred in Egypt," he told WND. "Hundreds of businesses and homes first have been looted, then burned and destroyed. Churches have been burned and destroyed.

"And you know what? Not one Muslim has been indicted, let alone convicted," he said.

The campaign is calling for Christians in the United States to e-mail or call:

• Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice
  U.S. Department of State
  2201 C Street NW
  Washington, D.C. 20520
  202-647-4000
  Or by e-mail
• Michael Chertoff, Secretary
  U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  Washington, D.C. 20528
  202-282-8000
  Comment Line: 202-282-8495
• Attorney General Alberto Gonzales
  U.S. Department of Justice
  950 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
  Washington, D.C. 20530
  202-353-1555

"When it comes to [Egyptian] Christians asking for asylum in the U.S., very frequently, the U.S. administration lies