Religious Minorities Targeted in Iran’s Crackdown on Women’s Rights

BY : Milton Quintanilla Crosswalk Headlines Contributor

According to a new report 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.

As reported by The Christian Post, the report by the U.N. noted that “crimes against humanity” are being perpetrated and that the Iranian government launched a “disproportionate” crackdown on Kurd and Baluch ethnic and religious minorities in response to the protests.

The paper mentioned a variety of abuses, including unlawful deaths, extrajudicial executions, unnecessary use of lethal force, arbitrary arrests, torture, rape, enforced disappearances, and gender persecution.

In a 2023 report by Open Doors, Article 18 and other religious freedom groups warned that Christians, especially converts, faced increased persecution in the light of the protests. It explained how at least five people were arrested over their alleged involvement in the protests and were given an additional charge of “apostasy” after the authorities discovered that they were Christians.

Henrietta Blyth, CEO of the charity Open Doors UK & Ireland, is urging for an international response to protect Iran’s religious and ethnic minorities.

“The recent U.N. paper starkly illustrates the severe and targeted repression faced by religious minorities in Iran,” she said.

“These findings resonate deeply with the plight of Christians in the region, who continue to endure intensified persecution for their faith.

“Open Doors stands in solidarity with all those suffering under these injustices. We urge the international community to take immediate action to protect these vulnerable populations and uphold their fundamental human rights.”