Our 2022 Persecutor of the Year Report

For many years, we published a report called the Hall of Shame, calling out the world’s worst persecutors. This year, we have revamped this mission, issuing “Persecutor of the Year” designations to the most notorious countries, individuals, and entities around the world.

This groundbreaking report is a crucial tool for the media and government officials as they work to support and raise awareness on behalf of those who are harassed for their faith. We also pray that it will help you and your church stay informed about your suffering brothers and sisters.

No matter your position or playing field, we hope you use this report and information to support the cause of religious freedom.

The 2022 Persecutor of the Year Report is Now Available.

This Year’s Dis-Honorees

Ali Khamenei

Individual

As Grand Ayatollah of Iran, Ali Khamenei controls every aspect of Iranian life and uses harsh tactics to restrict Christians. Khamenei, who serves as the country’s Supreme Leader, allows the torture and execution of many Iranian Christians. Those found attempting to share their faith or worship in a house church are often arrested and sent to the notorious Evin Prison, known for its brutality and torture of prisoners.

Fulani Militants

Entity

Nigeria is one of the most dangerous places for Christians because of the abundance of violent extremists, including groups of Fulani militants. This faction of a broader nomadic group, through its exposure to Islamist fundamentalist ideologies, has terrorized Nigeria’s Christian communities. Radicalized and armed Islamist Fulani militias have killed tens of thousands of Christians and left countless homeless in a 20-year genocide.

Afghanistan

Country

The chaotic withdrawal of U.S. military personnel from Afghanistan in August 2021 plunged the country into disarray and put a death sentence on Christians. Since the Taliban became the ruling party of the country, the beating, kidnapping, torture, and murder of Christians and other minority groups have increased dramatically. Within the Taliban’s hardline fundamentalist version of Islam, Afghan Christians—most of whom are former Muslims—are branded as apostates deserving of death.

A Report to Shine Light in Darkness

Our team of Washington, D.C.-based analysts spend thousands of hours annually reporting on and analyzing reports from our overseas staff and sources. Throughout the year, they also develop in-depth reports on countries with the worst religious freedom records.

This year, we have compiled a comprehensive publication of the world’s worst persecutors. This effort is to bring to light what our persecuted brothers and sisters experience in the dark, and to shed light on the suffering they endure to live out the faith they have chosen.

Join us in our cause to bring awareness to the plight of persecuted Christians. More importantly, join us in our fight to advance religious freedom for followers of all faiths.

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