Religious persecution claims encompass minority religion targeting, conversion and apostasy, blasphemy accusations, and interference with religious practice. Persecution experts assess the Convention religion ground using Article 9 of the Qualification Directive.
Conversion claims require analysis of the risk to converts in the specific country, whether conversion would be discovered on return, and state and non-state actor responses to religious deviation. Experts assess authenticity from a country conditions perspective, not theological judgment.
Blasphemy accusations require analysis of the legal framework, whether acquittal provides genuine protection, and non-state actor risks including mob violence irrespective of court outcomes.
Related Persecution Types
Frequently Asked Questions
How do experts assess religious conversion claims?
Persecution experts assess whether genuine conversion would place the appellant at risk, whether conversion would be known or discovered on return, and the treatment of converts in the specific country. This is a country conditions analysis, not a theological assessment of sincerity.
What role does Article 9 of the Qualification Directive play?
Article 9 defines acts of persecution for reasons of religion, including serious interference with religious practice, conversion, apostasy, and imputed religious identity. Persecution experts apply this framework to assess whether the feared harm constitutes persecution.