23/02/2026
🗞️The “scapegoating” of Christians, especially after the 12-day war with Israel, is the focus of the 2026 joint annual report on “Rights Violations Against Christians in Iran”, published today by Article18 in partnership with Open Doors, CSW and Middle East Concern.
🔖The report, “Scapegoats”, is published on the anniversary of the murder of Rev Arastoo Sayyah, the first Christian killed for his faith under the Islamic Republic.
The report begins by referring to the protests that erupted at the end of 2025, “calling for an end to the Islamic Republic’s leadership of the country”.
“The response to those protests has been horrifying,” it states, “with reports of many thousands killed, including several Christians, and every Iranian – regardless of their religious background – affected.
“The road ahead for Iran appears far from clear, but as we release this latest annual report of rights violations committed against Christians in 2025, we stand with the people of Iran in their call for leaders who will act on their behalf, rather than repress them.
“For 47 years, the Iranian people have been subjected to a regime that not only consistently fails to uphold human rights for its citizens, but brutally quashes dissenting voices, opinions or beliefs. This report details the violations throughout 2025 experienced by just one section of society – the Christian community.”
📍Report Link:
https://articleeighteen.com/news/23529/
