An Iranian who converted to Christianity and appealed his deportation from Germany back to Iran was denied by the European Court of Human Rights on the basis of religious freedom.
Campaigners worry that the 44-year-old would certainly face jail or perhaps execution as a result of his religious conversion as a result of the court’s ruling.
Hassan, a cabinet maker who has had his name altered to safeguard his identity and is only identified by the initials “H.H.” in official documents, sought for asylum in 2018 and is now living in Germany, where he is free to follow his religion.
Security authorities in Iran raided his home after he, his wife, and his family decided to become Christians and seized their literature, computer, passports, and Bible.
He then took his family and escaped to Germany through Turkey.
Lidia Rieder, Legal Officer for ADF International, issued a statement on August 11 stating that Iran was one of the most hazardous countries in the world for Christians.
No one should face persecution because of their beliefs, she said.
One of the most hazardous places in the world for Christians is Iran, and converts are especially vulnerable.
Religious persecution has significantly deteriorated during the last year.
National security accusations are often used to persecute religious minorities and may result in jail terms for so-called “religious deviants.”
When evaluating asylum requests, German courts must take this into consideration.
Hassan was motivated to become a Christian by the testimony of his brother-in-law, who was put in jail for upholding his Christian religion before being murdered. The wife of his brother-in-law was likewise mistreated.
“Becoming a Christian has changed my wife’s brother for the better. H.H. said in his appeal to the German authorities, “We wanted to test whether we would receive this emotion when we become Christians.
However, the Greifswald Administrative Court, which heard Hassan’s case after it was turned down by the German authorities, stated that given what had transpired with his brother-in-law and his wife after their conversions, it was “not particularly likely” that a Muslim would convert to Christianity.
The European Court of Human Rights subsequently declined to hear Hassan’s defence claims this week, putting him at serious danger of deportation, according to advocates.
Hassan said in a statement created by ADF International: “I had several issues in Iran…
I had a lot of questions, but I was forbidden from asking them. I experienced bullying at school for asking questions.
I became curious in the God I was dealing with as a result.
My brother-in-law informed my wife and I of some wonderful news one day.
There is a treasure, a living God in the person of Jesus Christ, and we are His children, not His servants.
He said there was a free way to salvation. I spread the gospel in Germany and lead prayer groups at the hostel.
To convert the other people to faith in Jesus Christ, I wish to provide a positive example.
The ability of my children to follow Christ in freedom and carry out good deeds is my top priority.
Iran consistently fails to defend its people’ right to religious freedom, according to a statement made on August 11 by Kelsey Zorzi, Director of Global Religious Freedom at ADF International.
Iranian legislation must be changed to comply with international human rights law, which safeguards each person’s freedom to freely choose and practise their religion.
Until that time, nations like Germany have a duty to lend a hand in defending weak religious minorities when given the chance. Neglecting such duty might have deadly repercussions.