Today at 3:00 p.m., human rights leader and One Free World International founder, Majed El Shafie, will testify before the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations, discussing the plight of religious minorities in Syria.

El Shafie, who was himself arrested, tortured and sentenced to die in Egypt for defending human rights and fighting for freedom of religion and the rights of minorities, is seeking accountability and awareness for women's rights, child abuse and the persecution of minorities in Syria and around the world.

The hearing entitled, "Religious Minorities in Syria: Caught in the Middle" will be held in Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building, and will be available live on the Committee website at www.foreignaffairs.house.gov. This hearing will explore ways that U.S. policy and assistance can promote the protection of religious minorities in Syria during and after the Civil War.

El Shafie's dramatic story, and those of others worldwide who are suffering persecution, are told in shocking detail in his new book, "FREEDOM FIGHTER: One Man's Fight for One Free World" (Destiny Image). This is the true story of his continuing fight for a world free of religious persecution. The book is a companion to the award-winning human rights documentary, "FREEDOM FIGHTER," available now on DVD from Destiny Image Films. Directed by Chris Atkins, this powerful film follows El Shafie as he travels to Afghanistan and Pakistan seeking out those persecuted for their religious beliefs, and challenging their governments to change. View the official trailer here: www.freedomfighterdvd.com.

El Shafie regularly testifies before the U.S. Congress and the Canadian Parliament and Senate, and he's been featured on Sun News, CBC, CBN News, The 700 Club, CTV, Grace TV, Vision TV, ACLJ's Jordan Sekulow Show, The Mike Huckabee Radio Show, Daybreak USA, Bill Martinez, Michael Delgiorno and more. He now resides in Canada and fights for those persecuted around the world through his human rights organization, One Free World International.