End the Persecution of Christian Converts in Iran

The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, along with 18 other human rights organizations, including Alliance for Iran, Article 18, and Third Sphere, issued a joint statement on Tuesday, December 9, calling on the international community to end the harassment and persecution of Christian converts in Iran. The statement notes, "Iranian officials intensified pressure on the Christian convert community with Islamic backgrounds to its highest level in the summer of 1395 (2016)." The statement from these human rights organizations adds, "According to reports received from credible sources and relatives, security agents arrested 79 Christians between the months of Ordibehesht and Mordad 95 (April to August 2016) in various regions of Iran. The vast majority of them were subjected to continuous interrogation for several days to a month or remained in detention." Since the 1979 revolution, several church leaders in Iran have been killed, and hundreds of Christians have been interrogated and imprisoned. Since the lifting of international sanctions, world leaders have shown a tendency to increase relations with Iran and develop business opportunities. For example, the European Parliament published its analysis of its strategy in relations with Iran following the nuclear agreement in June 2016 with minimal reference to human rights issues. The printing of the Bible in Persian has been banned, and some churches have been closed, with church ceremonies being prevented. The statement adds, "Since the lifting of international sanctions, world leaders have shown a tendency to increase relations with Iran and develop business opportunities. For example, the European Parliament published its analysis of its strategy in relations with Iran following the nuclear agreement in June 2016 with minimal reference to human rights issues." According to multiple reports from the United Nations and non-governmental organizations advocating for human rights and media freedom worldwide, the Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently ranked among the most repressive governments in the world against the press, journalists, political and civil activists, intellectuals, dissidents, religious minorities, and civil and social institutions. The statement reminds that "Iran, as a member of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, is obligated to ensure non-discrimination under Articles 2 and 26 of this treaty and to uphold freedom of thought and religion under Article 18 of the same covenant. Article 18 specifically considers the protection of the rights of individuals who intend to change their religion or belief." In this context, prison sentences for three Christian converts in Iran continue, with reports of "torture, executions, and severe restrictions in Iran continuing." Three Christians in Iran were released after 45 days; the uncertainty of two other prisoners remains.