Religious minorities are still in jeopardy in Iran
According to a new report published by the United Nations, religious minorities are being targeted in Iran's crackdown on women's rights protests. Protests have ensued since the arrest and subsequent death of 22-year-old Jina Mahsa Amini. Iran's morality police arrested her for reportedly breaking rules over the proper way to wear a hijab.
According to The Christian Post, the U.N. report condemns the Iranian government’s response as “crimes against humanity,” citing the “disproportionate” crackdown on Kurdish and Baluch ethnic and religious minorities. The report details widespread abuses, including unlawful killings, extrajudicial executions, excessive use of lethal force, arbitrary detentions, torture, rape, enforced disappearances, and gender-based persecution.
In a 2023 analysis by Open Doors, Article 18, and other religious freedom organizations, it was noted that Christian converts are experiencing heightened persecution amid the protests.
The report revealed that at least five Christians were arrested for their involvement in the protests and later faced additional charges of “apostasy” after authorities discovered their faith.
Henrietta Blyth, CEO of Open Doors UK & Ireland, is calling for a coordinated international response to safeguard Iran’s religious and ethnic minorities.
Source: crosswalk.com
