Religious freedom imperiled in Asia and Mideast

On the occasion of a rally in Italy “against the exodus and persecution of Christians in the Middle East and for religious freedom around the world,” AsiaNews looks at the violations of religious freedom in Asia.

Middle East

SAUDI ARABIA

(Inhabitants: 24,293,844 – Christians: 840,000)

Viewed as a negative example by John Paul II, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia simply denies religious freedom to all non-Muslims. All non-Islamic religious activity, even by individuals in the privacy of their homes such as possession of non-Muslim religious books and objects, is banned. There are no official figures but it is estimated that hundreds of Christians are languishing in prison, primarily for leading prayer meetings.

IRAN

(Inhabitants: 65 million; Christians: 340, 000)

Christians in Iran are tolerated as second class citizens, as a distinct ‘ethnic minority’ that is separate from the rest of society and subject to a series of restrictions. Churches are ‘protected’ but also controlled by police. Missionary activities are strictly banned. Lack of religious freedom and economic prospects push those Christians who live in Iran to emigrate. Some Muslims do convert to Christianity but in secret and outside of the country. Several Protestants have been arrested and have had their religious material seized. Some converts have been condemned to death, their sentence sometimes commuted to life in prison. Baha’is are subjected to strict controls, have seen their places of worship destroyed, and have had some of their members executed.