Christians Face Persecution Across Asia
Christians in Asia face persecution, including harassment, arrest, and murder in countries like Pakistan, North Korea, and Myanmar.
4 min read
Across numerous Hindu, Communist, and Muslim nations in Asia, Christians face constant persecution, ranging from harassment to arrest to murder. In many of these countries, being a citizen of another nation does not protect one from Christian persecution. The situation is especially dire in countries like Pakistan, North Korea, and Myanmar, where religious freedom is severely restricted.
North Korea and China: Worst for Religious Persecution
Communist North Korea has long been ranked among the worst countries for religious persecution, with many Christians facing murder or being sent to concentration camps. In China, the government continues to intensify its crackdown on even state-sanctioned churches, targeting Christians with increasing frequency. The Iranian regime has also been intensifying its persecution of Christians, making it one of the most dangerous places for the faith in the region.
Genocide and Reduction of Christian Populations in Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza
There is outright genocide in Syria against Christians and other religious minorities, with the Christian population being drastically reduced in the country. In Lebanon and Gaza, Muslim-majority populations have led to a significant decrease in the number of Christians. Azerbaijani Christians are also facing abusive imprisonment, with their religious practices being heavily restricted.
Other Asian Nations with High Levels of Persecution
Yemen, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, India, and Myanmar are other Asian nations that Global Christian Relief has ranked among the top 15 worst countries for Christians. Pakistan, in particular, is a hotspot for anti-Christian hatred due to its fundamentalist Islamic government and the presence of terrorists. International Christian Concern (ICC) reported that the government is still planning to execute a Christian for criticizing Islam.
Pakistan: A Case of Blasphemy Charges and Death Sentences
In 2018, two Christian brothers were sentenced to death over allegations of blasphemy. After a decade of fighting for their freedom, one brother was acquitted by Pakistan’s Supreme Court on October 7, 2023. The other brother, however, remains on death row. Section 295-C of Pakistan’s penal code criminalizes blasphemy against Muhammad, with the death penalty as a possible punishment. Qaisar Ayub, a 49-year-old man who ran a website that spoke out against Islam, was involved in a case where his website was continued by another individual under his name, leading to conflicts with coworkers and eventual blasphemy charges.
Pakistan: Mob Violence and Legal Restrictions
Recently, a Pakistani mob burned down a Christian’s home and pharmacy, highlighting the extreme hostility toward Christians in the country. In addition to the legal risks, Christians in Pakistan face significant social and political pressure. A Christian woman who spoke to ICC described the difficulty of becoming a Christian in a country where the constitution defines all ethnic Malaysians as Muslim. She was unable to be baptized by her local pastor due to the fear of legal repercussions.
Nepal and Malaysia: Legal and Social Barriers to Religious Freedom
Nepalese police stormed the Nepal New Covenant College and arrested two dozen South Korean Christians for “illegal religious teaching, training, and promotion.” Nepal, a majority Hindu country, has seen increasing restrictions on religious freedom. In Malaysia, a young woman who believes strongly in Christianity faces significant challenges due to the constitution defining all ethnic Malaysians as Muslim. She cannot attend many church activities due to the requirement of presenting Malaysian IDs, which could lead to legal trouble if she is discovered practicing Christianity.
Burma (Myanmar): Military Use of Church Grounds
In Burma, the military dictatorship operating in Kachin state is using church grounds for military purposes. Militia have raided and taken over both Nant Mun Baptist Church and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, showing the extent to which religious institutions are being targeted for political control.
India: Legal Challenges and State-Sanctioned Profiling
In India, government officials target Christians, particularly in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh. A petition challenging the validity of the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, was heard in the Chhattisgarh High Court on October 8. The act is considered a misnomer as it seeks to curtail the freedom of religion guaranteed by the Indian Constitution in several ways. The petition argues that the law functions as a tool for state-sanctioned profiling, further marginalizing the Christian community.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Pray for all persecuted Christians across Asia and around the world. The situation for Christians in these countries remains dire, with many facing life-threatening persecution and legal consequences for their faith. The international community must continue to advocate for religious freedom and support those who are suffering due to their beliefs.
Source: PJ Media
