News by email Donate

Suggestions

asylum-image_article_image.jpg
World News

Swiss deportation may turn into a death sentence for Christian convert

by Tola Mbakwe

Christian legal group ADF International has filed an expert brief with the European Court of Human Rights in support of the man known as A.A. (anonymised for security reasons).

ADF said if he is sent back to his home country he could face severe social and formal persecution, with punishments ranging from lengthy imprisonment to death.

"International law is very clear on the fact that no country should return a refugee to territories where his or her life could be in danger," said Jennifer Lea, Legal Counsel with ADF International.

"Afghanistan is not a safe place for a Christian convert.

"The Court should ask Switzerland to stop turning a blind eye to the situation of religious minorities in Afghanistan."

While the Afghan Constitution protects religious freedom in general, it also defines Islam as the state religion and prohibits the enactment of any law contradicting Islamic beliefs.

ADF added that Afghanistan's civil courts investigate "crimes against God."

Also, crimes like apostasy, blasphemy, anti-Islamic writings or speech, and proselytising are considered serious and punishable by beheadings for males, confiscation of property, and inheritance limitations.

ADF has urged Switzerland to defend religious freedom.

Robert Clarke, director of European advocacy for ADF International, said: "The case of A.A. v. Switzerland provides the Court with the opportunity to remind its 47 Member States that they each are legally required to defend religious freedom.

"This means much more than demanding a convert practice his faith in secret.

"Sending a refugee back to a country where they face persecution because of their faith is incompatible with the Convention."

Afghanistan is number two on Open Doors' 2018 World Watch List which ranks 50 countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution.

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

News you can believe in. Stand with Premier Christian News today.

Your gift today ensures that Premier Christian News can press forward in strength, reaching more people with biblical truth and shaping the future of Christian thought. It’s more than just a donation—it’s an investment in renewed minds and transformed lives. 

Without continued support, the ability to create and distribute resources that strengthen faith and equip the church will be compromised. But with your help, we can grow deeper, stand firmer, and shine brighter in the culture.

Your support today is critical.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate