Advocates Warn Christian Converts May Face Death Penalty
Christian human rights advocates are raising alarms about the potential danger faced by some Christian immigrants if deported from the United States. These individuals may face death in their home countries, a situation that could violate international agreements and contradict an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump.
Jeff King, president of International Christian Concern (ICC), reacted to a report that at least 10 of the approximately 350 migrants deported from the U.S. to Panama last month were Iranian Christian converts. These migrants, who came from countries including Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, and Uzbekistan, were initially sent to Panama for further processing. King emphasized that many of these countries have histories of persecuting Christians, and while Pakistan is concerning, Iran presents the greatest threat. He warned that deporting Iranian Christian converts to Iran could lead to death sentences for apostasy, a crime under Iran’s strict interpretation of Shia Islam.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the deported individuals were in the U.S. illegally and did not express fears of returning to their home countries. However, King highlighted that international law prohibits the forced return of refugees or asylum seekers to nations where they risk persecution. He referenced several international treaties, including the United Nations Convention against Torture and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, which protect individuals from being sent back to potentially dangerous situations.
Nina Shea, from the Hudson Institute’s Center for Religious Freedom, referred to a 2020 executive order by President Trump that prioritized religious freedom and advocated for asylum policies supporting those fleeing religious persecution. Shea argued that the Iranian Christians involved should not be deported based on this policy. Similarly, Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, emphasized the importance of offering refuge to those facing religious persecution and death threats, including Christian converts, in line with Trump’s commitment to religious freedom.
A recent report from Article 18, a London-based organization, highlighted the severe human rights violations against Christians in Iran, revealing that Iranian Christians were sentenced to a total of 250 years in prison in 2024, a dramatic increase from the previous year. This further underscores the dangerous reality for Christian converts in Iran, reinforcing calls for protection from deportation to countries where they face grave risks.