It’s a dangerous time to be a Christian in many parts of the globe, as Christians increasingly find themselves persecuted for their faith.

In Cuba, evangelical pastor of Monte de Sion Independent Church Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo has been wrongfully imprisoned in the country since July 2021.

Pastor Fajardo was outspoken in his criticism of the government’s human rights violations, food shortages and lack of medical supplies, and as a result has been “imprisoned on erroneous charges of disrespect, assault, criminal incitement and public disorder, is serving a seven year prison term, has suffered gross humiliations and was isolated after sharing the Gospel with fellow prisoners”.

Pastor Fajardo’s case is not an isolated one.

Religious persecution is increasing in Cuba, according to critics, “with the government passing laws to facilitate the persecution of religious leaders and laypersons accused of opposing Cuba Communist Party ideology”.

“Arrests, exile, arbitrary fines, physical and mental abuse, restricted freedom of movement, surveillance and denials of licences are among the tactics the government employs”.

The Alliance of Christians in Cuba (ACC), comprising about 60 multi-denominational Christian leaders, has called for the immediate release of religious prisoners and prisoners of conscience, and has demanded that the Cuban government respect the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and integrate treaties on civil and political liberties that provide a legal framework for fundamental human freedoms. This includes the immediate release of all political prisoners and the cessation of pre-criminal judicial processes, which violate the international right to the presumption of innocence. 

The U.S. State Department's latest report on international religious freedom noted a significant increase in religious freedom violations in Cuba, with 657 violations in 2022 compared to 272 the previous year.

In Pakistan, people of faith are finding themselves targeted in a different way.

Recently, local man Ehsan Shan was sentenced to death by a court in Punjab for sharing “hateful content” against Muslims on social media. Two Christian men were accused of desecrating the Quran, leading to mob attacks on homes and churches in Jaranwala, Punjab. Mr Shan, who shared content related to these attacks, was subsequently convicted of blasphemy.

The country’s blasphemy laws are highly controversial and carry severe consequences, with the accused in such cases often being deemed “guilty before even having an opportunity to prove themselves.” Accusations can lead to harsh penalties, including death sentences, often without substantial evidence. The process is highly criticised for lacking fairness and due process, with accusations frequently resulting in mob violence.

Mr Shan’s lawyer intends to appeal the verdict, with Christian leaders calling on Pakistan to abolish these laws and ensure equal justice is afforded to all citizens.

Australia’s legal and political framework and tradition upholds and protects fundamental freedoms. While Christians continue to enjoy peace and prosperity in this country, there have been numerous law reform measures in recent years to narrow and remove faith protections in state, territory and Commonwealth anti-discrimination and vilification laws, as well as attempts to introduce laws that represent a serious threat to freedom of speech and expression.

The persecution of people of faith overseas such as Pastor Lorenzo and Ehsan Shan underscores the importance of remaining vigilant in the effort to protect the rights to freedom of speech, conscience and faith. We must be grateful for these basic rights and freedoms and not take them for granted.

The work of organisations like HRLA and ADF International has never been more important in ensuring fundamental rights are upheld and respected, representing individuals adversely affected by these laws, and challenging attempts to restrict or remove such freedoms in law.