VAN, Turkey – Some 500 Christian converts from Iran have sought asylum in Turkey following what they say is persecution by the authorities. A man and his family who converted to Christianity from Islam say they used to practice their faith in secret.
Of those Rudaw talked to in Turkey’s Van, close to the Iranian border — all Kurds — none revealed their name and some chose not to appear on camera for fear of reprisals.
One young man who converted only after he arrived in Van said that he did not think he could be the person he wanted to be if he remained Muslim. He did not want to give his name or appear on camera.
He said he is now feeling “comfortable” as a Christian.
Read More
