Iran Denies Persecuting Christians, Labels House-Churches as ‘Enemy Groups’

Iran has denied systematically persecuting Christians, calling house-churches “enemy groups” of a “Zionist cult,” in response to a formal inquiry by six senior UN rights experts. In a letter dated 11 November, which was only made public after Iran failed to respond within the 60-day deadline, the experts expressed “serious concern” over “numerous” reports of “continued systematic persecution” of Christians, particularly discriminatory practices and violations of their human rights.

The Iranian government responded by denying the accusations, asserting that “nobody is prosecuted on religious grounds.” Instead, Iran claims it has taken legal action against members of “enemy groups” and “private churches” (house-churches), which it accuses of belonging to a “Zionist Christian cult” with “anti-security purposes.” The rapporteurs named 24 Iranian Christians reported by organizations including Article18 to be either currently in prison or awaiting summonses, providing details of each case.

While the experts do not wish to prejudge the accuracy of the information received, they express serious concern at the reported widespread repression against and persecution of persons belonging to the Christian minority in Iran, particularly those who have converted from Islam. They are particularly concerned about the criminalization of freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression, as well as the repressive methods applied by Iranian state agencies to suppress the right of Christian communities to observe, worship, and teach their faith.

The rapporteurs also criticize reported judicial harassment and lack of due process, as well as ambiguously formulated charges such as “acting against national security” or “propaganda against the state,” which they say are used to systematically restrict the peaceful exercise of the right to freedom of religion or belief. They warn that if the facts alleged are confirmed, they would constitute severe violations of international human rights law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is a state party.

The experts conclude by calling on Iran to provide detailed responses to the allegations, including clarifying the legal basis for actions against Christians and ensuring due process for those accused. The response by the High Council for Human Rights of the Islamic Republic of Iran, submitted two days after the 10 January deadline, begins by addressing these concerns.

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