TEHRAN – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that the Islamic Republic of Iran tortures Christians merely for practicing their faith.

He made the remarks in a video message released days after Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, in a tweet, wished “a very happy and peaceful Christmas,” and peace in the coming year.

“Image praying quietly in your home, surrounded by your family. And all of a sudden, armed thugs burst in and drag you away to prison,” Netanyahu claimed about the condition of Christians living in Iran. He added, “They torture you merely for practicing your Christian faith.”

This is while under its constitution, Iran recognizes Christianity, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism as official religions and they have representatives in the Iranian parliament.

Also, there are at least 600 churches and 300,000–370,000 Christians in Iran. 

MH/PA