40th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Agenda Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Islamic Republic of Iran
Organisation: Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)
Speaker: Claire Denman
Thank you Mr President,
CSW is concerned by a continuing campaign against Christians in Iran. The last two months of 2018 saw a wave of raids on gatherings in private homes, resulting in over 100 arrests.
CSW calls on the Iranian government to cease all forms of harassment and intimidation of peaceful religious activities.
Targeting of converts from Islam is widespread, including the recent sentencing of Saheb Fadaie and Fatemeh Bakhteri, convicted for discussing Christian doctrine in a house church, which was reportedly described in court as attacking Islam.
Their convictions gravely violate the right to espouse a religious belief of one’s choice, and effectively criminalise a faith recognised in the Iranian constitution.
We call on Iran to reverse these convictions, and to release all those detained in connection with their choice of religion or belief.
Iran regularly delivers unjust and harsh sentences to Christians, including those given to Mr Fadaie, Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani and two other Church of Iran members. Each received ten year sentences on excessive national security related charges.
Often these sentences are passed down by judges notorious for miscarriages of justice.
For example, Judges Babaee and Zargar, who tried Mr Fadaie and Ms Bakhteri, are both alleged to have played prominent roles in the crackdown on freedom of expression, and were both among several officials deemed responsible or complicit in serious human rights violations in 2012.
Most recently, at their final appeal hearing the two judges asked Mr Fadaie and Ms Bakhteri to renounce their faith.
Also concerning is the targeting of the family of Assyrian pastor, Victor Bet Tamraz, who is currently appealing a ten year sentence, while his wife appeals a five year sentence, and their son appeals a four month sentence.
CSW urges Iran to ensure due process in cases involving religious minorities.
Thank you.