An interview with Article18’s Fred Petrossian, following the publication of his new book, ‘Why Christian Converts flee Iran’.

Please can you give a short summary of what the book is about?

“This book examines why Christian converts in Iran are forced to flee their homeland. It also explores their resistance and creativity in the face of relentless hostility.

“The book investigates the various forms of violence, repression and systematic propaganda these individuals endure—whether physical, legal, structural, or cultural. 

“It covers everything from the murder of church leaders and confiscation of church properties, to laws targeting religious minorities, as well as discrimination embedded in education, religious discourse, and even urban planning.

“Drawing on personal testimonies, human rights reports, and in-depth research, the book exposes Iran’s religious apartheid, and documents the struggles, resilience, and defiance of persecuted minorities, particularly Christian converts, while also addressing broader repression against groups such as Bahá’ís and Yarsanis.

“Importantly, the book emphasises from the outset that Christianity is not a Western-imported religion in Iran. Christians have lived in Iran since the early days of the faith, and under the Sasanian Empire Iranian missionaries reached as far as China and India.”

What motivated you to write it?

“There were several motivations. For years, I have been asked by human rights activists, journalists, and asylum officials whether Christian converts from Iran are truly believers or simply seeking asylum. This book emerged in response to those repeated questions.”

“It also stems from my personal investigations, years of reporting, and long-standing engagement with Iranian human rights issues. I wanted to give voice to those whose stories are so often dismissed or distorted.

“By sharing our stories—both the discrimination and repression we face, and also our achievements—we Iranians can break many prejudices and strengthen our national unity.

“As an African proverb wisely says: ‘Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.’ This book seeks to give the ‘lions’—the persecuted minorities—the chance to tell their own stories.”

What do you hope readers will take away from the book?

“I hope readers will realise that this is not merely a story of victimhood or repression. It is also a story of courage, resilience, and creativity. Iranian Christian converts—and other minorities—are not simply fleeing to survive; they are also resisting injustice and defending their dignity and rights.”

“I want readers to understand both the depth of persecution and the extraordinary hope and strength shown by these communities. Most importantly, this book calls for respect for religious freedom or belief as a fundamental human right, beyond politics, ideology, or national borders.

“To conclude, I would like to recall the words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu: ‘I don’t want crumbs from anyone’s table. I want my full rights, not bits thrown by those who think they are my masters.’”

“This book carries that very message: it is not about asking for pity or charity, but about demanding full rights, dignity, and freedom.”

“It is important to highlight that many Christian converts continue to suffer across the world—from Turkey to Sweden, and from Georgia to Indonesia—as their asylum claims are repeatedly denied, leaving them trapped in a state of limbo, like a modern-day purgatory.”

‘Why Christian converts flee Iran’ is available to purchase here.