The World Iranian Christian Alliance (WICA) has released a statement expressing “deep concern” at the suppression of ongoing nationwide protests, which it says are motivated by “a systematic absence of justice”.

The protests, which are now in their 10th day, have seen mass demonstrations in over 80 cities since 28 December, leading to a heavy-handed response from the authorities, with reports of at least 29 deaths.

On 2 January, US President Donald Trump warned the Iranian authorities against killing protestors, posting on social media that the US was “locked and loaded and ready to go”, and would “come to their rescue”.

The WICA, which was formed last year in a bid to give Iranian Christians a “unified voice”, has called upon the Iranian authorities to “respect the human dignity of citizens and to refrain from repeating past practices of resorting to violent repression of protests”. 

It also decried what it called the “mislabeling” of protesters as “rioters”, “as a means of justifying violence against them”. 

“Peaceful protest is an indisputable right of every citizen, and harm to the lives and property of protesters must neither be ignored nor normalised,” the statement, published on Sunday, said.

You can read a full translation of the statement below:

Statement by World Iranian Christian Alliance

We, the World Iranian Christian Alliance members, express our deep concern regarding the suppression of the nationwide protests that have erupted in our homeland, Iran, since December 28, 2025. As the evidence clearly indicates, these protests are not merely a response to economic hardships people face, but are rooted in a systematic absence of justice and reflect a far deeper crisis. The right to protest peacefully is a fundamental right of citizens who find themselves alienated from—or deprived of—justice, human dignity, and meaningful participation in determining their own future. An economy weakened under renewed international sanctions, persistent gas and electricity shortages, growing water scarcity, an escalating cost-of-living crisis, and the continued denial of basic social and political freedoms have all directly undermined the human dignity of citizens. Safeguarding human dignity and ensuring the common good are essential conditions of sound governance, and social trust—indispensable for a stable and just society—can only be realised within such a framework. Accordingly, we call upon the authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran to respect the human dignity of citizens and to refrain from repeating past practices of resorting to violent repression of protests. We firmly condemn the mislabeling of citizens who protest peacefully and their portrayal as “rioters” as a means of justifying violence against them. Peaceful protest is an indisputable right of every citizen, and harm to the lives and property of protesters must neither be ignored nor normalised. We extend our sincerest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives in these protests, and we mourn alongside all who grieve. We urge unity among the people of Iran, mutual care, a shared commitment, and steadfast solidarity in the pursuit of justice and human dignity. We call upon Iranian Christians to engage in prayer, responsible reflection, and conscientious action—so that, guided by faith and moral conscience, they may find ways to support justice, protect human life, and stand with those who suffer. Our hope remains that Iran may move toward a brighter future grounded in justice, compassion, and respect for the rights of all citizens.