Iran's Christians among killed and arrested in street protests
At least seven victims from the Armenian and Chaldean communities. In addition, three were injured and one imprisoned. Among the dead was the young Ejmin Masihi. In an open letter, Article 18 activists condemn the ‘brutal repression’ carried out by the ‘Tehran regime’.
Tehran (AsiaNews) - There are several Christians among those killed or arrested in the street protests in Iran in recent weeks, which were forcibly repressed by the authorities in a situation that, at least in the last few hours, appears to be relatively calm.
This is what activists from Article18, a website specialising in documenting abuses and restrictions on worship in the Islamic Republic, are denouncing, relaying first-hand accounts from the scenes of the demonstrations.
Local sources speak of seven Iranian Armenians among the thousands of victims - over 2,400 according to official figures, although activist groups speak of over 12,000 deaths - one of whom has been identified as Ejmin Masihi (in the photo), as reported by an information portal linked to the Armenian community.
In addition to the seven victims, there are at least three injured and one person under arrest within the Iranian Christian community.
The news that has filtered through in recent days about killings, injuries and arrests shows how much members of recognised Christian communities (Armenians and Chaldeans) and unrecognised communities (largely made up of converts from Islam) are actively involved in nationwide demonstrations.
The protests that broke out at the end of last year, and which spread from the suburbs to Tehran and other major centres in the country, saw millions of Iranians from all walks of life take to the streets demanding an end to the regime, an improvement in the economy and greater freedoms.
Iranian Christians also played a role in previous protests, including those in 2019, when at least one Chaldean was among the more than 300 victims, and again in 2022/3, when young Chaldeans supported the demonstrations of the “Life, Woman, Freedom” movement after the death of Mahsa Amini, with a total death toll of more than 500.
In addition to denouncing the killing of Christian protesters, activists from Article18 have recently released an open letter condemning what they call the ‘brutal repression’ of discontent by the leadership of the Islamic Republic.
‘The demonstrators,’ the document reads, ‘were met with brutal violence, including attacks on the wounded in hospitals. Following an almost total internet blackout, reports of a massacre began to circulate, with several reliable sources indicating that thousands of victims, including children, may have been killed.’
‘We have a moral and political responsibility,’ the open letter continues, "towards the citizens of Iran, particularly children and young people, who ask for nothing more than respect for their fundamental human rights and who are instead subjected to the most extreme and brutal forms of state violence. We believe that the following points must now be clearly stated and publicly implemented: Christians and people of conscience should call on their elected representatives to hold the Iranian authorities to account and to state openly that the regime's actions have violated international law."
The Islamic Republic "has also significantly undermined its legitimacy through systematic repression and mass violence. Countries should recall their ambassadors from Iran as a clear signal that relations cannot continue as if nothing has happened. The Iranian regime can no longer be considered a legitimate member of the international community, having seriously violated both national and international laws. There must be no impunity, say Christian activists, for those responsible for crimes against the Iranian people. The time has come for a decisive change in Western countries' policy. There can be no return to “normality” with this regime."
"Governments must also consider the long-term positive impact that the fall of this regime and the emergence of a secular and democratic government in Iran could have, not only for Iranians, but also for regional and global stability. The Iranian government has consistently interfered throughout the region, fuelling conflict and suffering in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Palestine."
"This destabilising role must be addressed and brought to an end. The scale, speed and brutality of the violence in Iran require an urgent and principled response. Strong resolutions must be pursued at EU and UN level to condemn the regime's actions and express solidarity with the Iranian people. We therefore urge the international community, governments, churches and international organisations,‘ the open letter concludes, ’to go beyond symbolic measures and develop effective mechanisms to protect the Iranian people from ongoing and systematic state violence. What is happening in Iran today is not an internal political dispute, but a continuous attack on human dignity, life and fundamental rights."
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