Given the approaching end of President Hassan Rouhani’s second term, in this conversation we have focused on examining his eight-year record in dealing with religious minorities, particularly Christians. For this purpose, we have sat down with Mr. Kiaresh Alipour, a human rights defender and spokesperson for Article 18 organization, which works to defend freedom of religion and belief. Mr. Alipour is also a journalist and producer, and has experience in radio, television, and theater. He has lived in Europe for many years and is currently based in Canada, where he also works on defending the rights of refugees. The details of our conversation are as follows:

Hassan Rouhani has always raised popular slogans on the eve of elections. What have these slogans been regarding religious minorities? How much have these slogans been in line with his performance?

Hassan Rouhani, on the verge of the 2013 elections, had promised in a ten-point statement to address the demands of religious and ethnic minorities. The first statement of the ten-point statement, number 3, was made on June 9, 2013: “Our beloved country, Iran, is a fragrant garden of various climates, languages, religions and beliefs. Now that the pivotal presidential elections of the eleventh term have provided this historic opportunity, I am committed and determined, with your vote of confidence and the establishment of a government of prudence and hope, to put into action the following ten points of the chapter of the rights of the nation in the Constitution, which has been one of the most important goals of the sacred system of the Islamic Republic and will be, so that we can witness a free and prosperous Iran with the participation of Iranians.”

For the first time after the revolution, Hassan Rouhani, who has chosen the name of prudence and hope

Can you mention a few of these legal discriminations?

Definitely, I will mention a few cases in this regard:
1. Occupational barriers: Religious minorities are not allowed to hold government positions such as judges, ambassadors, ministers, presidents, and many other professions, and these discriminatory laws are considered only for Muslims. Even Sunnis are deprived of many of these jobs.
To become a teacher, regardless of qualifications, special conditions have been set by the Ministry of Education that make it impossible for religious minorities to be employed. These conditions include belief in Islam and the rule of the Supreme Leader. Religion and faith are also asked in employment forms.
2. Barriers to marriage: According to Article 1059 of the Civil Code of the Islamic Republic of Iran, a Muslim man can marry a non-Muslim woman, but the opposite is not allowed. Marriage between a non-Muslim man and a Muslim woman is not possible. The marriage of non-Muslims, such as Christians, Baha’is, and other non-official religions, is not recognized unless

In the past eight years, what range of persecutions and pressures has the Christian community in Iran experienced?

To what extent does the Christian community in Iran suffer from the decisions of the President? Is there hope for a decrease in persecution against Christians with a change in presidency, or is there a specific and systematic plan against this community?

As I mentioned before, there are many legal discriminations in Iranian laws that are in serious conflict with international human rights standards. Unfortunately, the Iranian government, through structural discrimination and baseless accusations of security threats, has normalized the violation of the rights of religious minorities, especially non-official religions such as Baha’is and Nokheshan Christians, as part of its overall policies. During certain periods, the suppression of religious minorities has intensified, but this policy has been pursued since the beginning of the revolution. Religious minorities are targeted solely for practicing their beliefs and faith, and are subjected to harassment, pressure, and judicial persecution by the Iranian government. Peaceful activities such as celebrating Christmas privately and holding home churches can result in severe punishments. However, the Iranian judiciary refers to these actions, which should be considered fundamental rights of every citizen, as acts against national security and illegal activities of the church, and even uses the nonsensical term “Zionist Christianity”. Iranian presidents have

To what extent is the presidency responsible for human rights violations during its term? Can it be claimed that it is not the main decision-maker and can shirk accountability?

Although in Iran all powers are not in the hands of the president and there are parallel security organizations, the president and government officials, especially commanders and agents, as well as their accomplices and lobbyists inside and outside the country, as part of this system, must be accountable for human rights violations in Iran. Mohammad Javad Zarif, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Rouhani’s government, had claimed that religious minorities in Iran are free and said, “We do not imprison anyone in Iran for their beliefs.” But on the other hand, about two years ago, Mahmoud Alavi, the Minister of Intelligence of Rouhani’s government, for the first time revealed the actions of this ministry and its cooperation with seminaries to combat the spread of Christianity in the country. Alavi also admitted that “some people are inclined towards Christianity, who are part of the normal society, for example, their job is selling sandwiches and they become Christian families.” These statements by the Minister of Intelligence are completely contradictory

Thank you for the time you have given to the peace line.