Iran increases hardline stance against Christians
Iran’s parliament has opened a new session with what is expected to include a stronger conservative voice. Just weeks before their power became further solidified in parliament, the legislature passed amendments regarding the country’s Islamic Penal Code which would negatively impact Christians.
These changes would allow the government to prosecute religious minorities by labeling them as a sect. Christians already face harsh punishments for their faith—ranging from long imprisonments and floggings, including the possibility of the death penalty. This change would make it easier for the authorities to enact these kinds of punishments.
How these types of changes will be implemented during Iran’s latest political season is thus far unknown. Nonetheless, many are warning that Iran’s new parliament has shifted towards a new era of hardline politics. Rumors also abound that former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is seeking a political return. History has shown that Iran’s hardline political components are always accompanied by harsh elements of religious persecution.
Source: persecution.org
