Christian legal group ADF International intervened in the case in support of the man known as A.A. (anonymised for security reasons) saying the asylum seeker could face severe social and formal persecution if sent home.
The Strasbourg Court Judges held that the Muslim who became a Christian would have been compelled to conceal their faith or face persecution if deported by the Swiss authorities.
Conversion from Islam to another religion is illegal in the Middle Eastern country and punishable by “anything from lengthy imprisonment to death”, the human rights firm said.
Robert Clarke, Director of European Advocacy for ADF International insisted: “Nobody should be persecuted because of their faith. Our society has a responsibility to protect those who are facing torture, imprisonment, or death due to their religious beliefs. Afghanistan counts as one of the most dangerous countries in the world for Christians and, in particular, for converts.
“ADF International’s intervention sought to highlight the severe breaches of human rights in Afghanistan against religious minorities and especially the widespread persecution of Christians. We welcome this important judgement from the European Court of Human Rights, affirming that Christians should not have to hide their faith to avoid persecution.”
While the Afghan Constitution protects religious freedom in general, it also…
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