Turkish Government Denies Targeted Deportation of Christian Missionaries; Accuses European Parliament of ‘Interference’  

  • Turkish Foreign Ministry dismisses overwhelming 502–2 vote as “baseless,” despite mounting scrutiny over expulsions of Christian missionaries from the country 
  • European Parliament voted to condemn use of Turkish security codes to expel Christians; this followed European Court of Human Rights recent decision to take 20 cases of missionaries expelled from Türkiye; the majority of which are legally supported by ADF International 

Strasbourg (17 February 2026) — The Turkish government has formally rejected the European Parliament’s recent resolution condemning targeted expulsions from the country „carried out under unsubstantiated national-security pretexts and without due process“ for foreign Christians, in addition to journalists. 

In a statement issued on 13 February, a day after the vote, Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the resolution as containing “unfounded allegations” and characterized it as interference in the country’s internal affairs. 

The European Parliament adopted the resolution by an overwhelming margin (502 votes in favor and 2 against) signaling broad cross-party concern over what lawmakers described as the misuse of national security frameworks to restrict fundamental rights, including freedom of religion. The resolution followed the European Court of Human Rights’ decision at the beginning of February to take up 20 cases involving foreign Christians who were expelled or banned from re-entering Türkiye. 

These cases, the majority of which are supported by ADF International, stem from the Turkish government’s use of security codes, typically reserved for terrorist activity, to designate peaceful foreign Christian residents as threats to national security and block them from entering or remaining in the country despite longstanding lawful residence. The missionaries deported come from several countries across Europe, including the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Germany. More than a dozen are originally from the United States.  

“The Turkish government’s rejection of the European Parliament’s vote shows a clear lack of respect for its human rights obligations.When a government weaponizes national security mechanisms to target peaceful missionaries and faith communities, they must not be allowed to act with impunity.”

- Kelsey Zorzi, Director of Global Religious Freedom at ADF International

European Parliament addresses expulsion of missionaries

The European Parliament resolution specifically addresses the expulsion of foreign Christian missionaries, all legally residing in the Türkiye and many of whom were long-term residents of the country, through security codes that have resulted in deportations, re-entry bans, and loss of residency status. Lawmakers raised concerns about the lack of transparency, limited judicial review, and restricted access to evidence in these cases. 

During the debate on the resolution European Member of Parliament Sokol (EPP) stated:  

“These deportations of Christians in Türkiye for reasons of national security are one more attack on Christians, the most persecuted religious minority around the world. (…) The EU cannot talk of human rights and then remain silent when Christians are facing problems in Africa or persecution in a neighboring country. We must stand up for freedom of religion everywhere without any double standards. (…) Türkiye must put a stop to these deportations of Christians.”  

Cases of Expelled Christians Now Before the European Court of Human Rights 

The 20 pending cases before Europe’s top human rights court challenge the compatibility of the security-based expulsions with human rights protections for religious freedom, family life, and due process under the European Convention on Human Rights. 

The government’s use of these codes effectively labels individuals as a “threat to public order and security,” a classification normally reserved for terrorism suspects. However, those targeted have no criminal records and no evidence of unlawful conduct—the only thing that they have in common is openly practicing and sharing their Christian faith. 

The 2024 Human Rights Violation Report presented by the Protestant Church Association records 132 people who have been arbitrarily branded with an entry ban code, preventing them from entering Türkiye solely on the basis of their Christian faith. The total number of those affected is 303, according to the report. 

ADF International provides legal support to affected individuals seeking justice before the European Court of Human Rights and calls on Turkish authorities to ensure that security measures are applied consistently with international human rights obligations. 

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Police arrest Christian pastor and visit his home after he commented on Islam and transgender ideology while street preaching

Photo of Pastor Dia arrested in handcuffs for peaceful preaching.
  • Pastor Dia Moodley has been arrested twice for peaceful street preaching
  • Police visited pastor at his home after latest arrest
  • Pastor Moodley is considering legal action against the police, with the support of ADF International
Photo of Pastor Dia arrested in handcuffs for peaceful preaching.

BRISTOL (16 February 2026) – Police arrested and visited a Christian pastor’s home after he peacefully commented on Islam and transgender ideology while street preaching in Bristol city centre.

Pastor Dia Moodley, 58, was arrested by Avon and Somerset Police officers last November in Broadmead on suspicion of “inciting religious hatred” under the Public Order Act 1986 for his speech, despite the fact that he had merely publicly shared his Christian views.

The pastor, who suffers from a heart condition, was held in a police cell for eight hours before being released under censorial bail conditions banning him from entering and therefore preaching in Bristol city centre over the Christmas period.

The bail conditions were dropped after Pastor Moodley made representations to the police, but two police officers later visited his home on Thursday 8 January, questioned him further on the November incident and invited him to a voluntary interview under caution.

With the support of his legal team, Pastor Moodley is considering whether to attend the interview. The pastor is currently waiting to hear whether he will be criminally charged for his peaceful speech.

ADF International is providing legal support to Pastor Moodley, who is considering legal action against the police for the violation of his free speech rights.  

This is the second time Avon and Somerset Police officers have arrested Pastor Moodley for peacefully street preaching.  

In March 2025, the pastor was twice threatened with arrest for “breaching the peace”, after preaching about the differences between Christianity and Islam while holding a Quran.  

He was the victim of assault on that occasion by Muslim bystanders and one man even threatened to stab the pastor. The police have not charged any of the individuals who assaulted him. 

The pastor met with the US State Department prior to that incident in March, at a meeting facilitated by ADF International, and spoke about his experience as a victim of censorship in the UK.

Pastor Moodley said: “This latest arrest has had a profoundly negative effect on me and has been extremely challenging personally.  

“I am a law-abiding citizen and it feels surreal that the police have criminalised me so harshly and repeatedly merely for peacefully expressing my Christian views in the public square. 

“Unfortunately, I believe that the police view me, a Christian pastor, as an easy target and are afraid of others being offended by my lawful speech. This is two-tier policing in action.”

Legal Counsel for ADF International Jeremiah Igunnubole said: “Pastor Dia’s arrest for peacefully commenting on Islam and transgender ideology shows police are using public order legislation to impose de facto blasphemy laws in the UK.  

“This is far from an isolated incident. It is part of a clear pattern of behaviour from Avon and Somerset Police, who for years have targeted Pastor Dia for his peaceful expression in the public square and have failed in their duty to investigate serious crimes committed against him, by those who objected to his speech.    

“The police must stop their two-tier approach of criminalising lawful speech. There has long been a pressing need for Parliament to pass legislation to ensure the right to freedom of expression is robustly protected in this country. 

“Pastor Dia’s case is all the more pressing as the government finalises its broad and ambiguous definition of ‘anti-Muslim hatred’, which risks censoring legitimate speech related to Islam. 

“Pastor Dia’s case shows how authorities can misconstrue peaceful comments on Islam as ‘hateful’ and criminal. This misconstruction will be repeated unless clarity is provided to preserve the ability of citizens to peacefully comment, discuss and criticise in accordance with their core beliefs.”  

After Pastor Moodley’s first arrest in March 2024, the police also unlawfully instructed that his signs, which he used while street preaching, be destroyed. The police have failed to even acknowledge his formal request for compensation for the signs.  

Previously, police tried to censor Pastor Moodley from commenting on any religion besides Christianity while street preaching. Avon and Somerset Police dropped these restrictions and admitted they were “disproportionate” after Pastor Moodley launched a legal challenge with the support of ADF International.  

November 2025 arrest 

On 22 November, Pastor Moodley was engaging in street preaching in Bristol city centre on two topics: the reality of the sex binary and the falsehood of transgender ideology, and the theology of Christianity compared to other religions, including Islam.

He often engages in dialogue with members of the public during street preaching and the vast majority of his interactions are positive, even if the people he speaks with hold different views. 

On the day, Pastor Moodley had a respectful conversation on Islam with three young Muslim women. 

Later on, one couple objected to Pastor Moodley’s views on transgender ideology.

The woman called the police and two officers then arrived and solely focussed on the accounts of bystanders who objected to the pastor’s preaching.

The police refused to engage with the pastor and members of his congregation and hear their account of what had happened.  

The police then arrested Pastor Moodley on suspicion of “inciting religious hatred” and committing a “religiously aggravated” offence under the Public Order Act 1986, for peacefully expressing his Christian views.

The pastor has a heart condition and was sweating visibly due to the stress of the situation.  

He asked for the handcuffs to be placed at the front of his body and not behind his back, which would make it difficult for him to breathe. The police officer initially appeared annoyed and reluctant to consider the request but eventually agreed.  

Pastor Moodley was held in a police cell for eight hours before being released.  

The bail conditions initially imposed on Pastor Moodley banned him from entering the city centre until 30 December.  

These were only overturned on 17 December and prevented him from preaching in the busiest part of the city for most of December, stopped him from attending to an important pastoral matter and disrupted his personal life. 

Read more about Avon and Somerset Police’s past targeting of Pastor Moodley here, here and here.

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Pictured: Pastor Dia Moodley, Pastor Moodley being arrested in November 2025, Legal Counsel for ADF International Jeremiah Igunnubole

Religious Freedom Coalition Thanks President Trump for Designating Nigeria „Country of Particular Concern;” Proposes Next Steps to Protect Persecuted Christians“

  • In letter thanking President Trump, coalition of international religious freedom experts and faith leaders outlines key recommendations to respond to crisis facing persecuted Christians in Nigeria.

  • ADF International joins the call, urging continued U.S. leadership and global action to defend religious freedom in Nigeria and beyond.

WASHINGTON D.C. (November 13) — A coalition of 48 faith leaders and religious freedom experts has sent a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump, thanking him for his decisive action in designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), stating, “You saw the evidence, you listened to the cries of the persecuted, and you acted.”  

The letter urges continued United States’ leadership on international religious freedom. In it, signatories emphasize that swift action from the U.S. is indispensable as Christians in Nigeria continue to face relentless violence from terrorist groups. The letter reflects a unified commitment to four recommended key policy goals that Nigeria, following increased pressure from the U.S., should commit to if it is to be removed from the CPC designation: 1) increased security and reliable early warning systems for Christian communities, particularly in the Middle Belt where Fulani militant attacks are the worst; 2) swift prosecution for attackers; 3) facilitating the safe return of internally-displaced persons; and 4) repealing the country’s draconian Sharia blasphemy laws. 

“The administration’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern is a momentous step forward for international religious freedom,” said Sean Nelson, Senior Counsel for ADF International. “Christians and other vulnerable communities in Nigeria have endured unthinkable violence for far too long. While there is still much work ahead, this decisive action renews hope that real protection and accountability are on the horizon. The President’s commitment to Nigeria can serve as a model to protect persecuted Christians worldwide, as Christians are the most persecuted religious group globally.”

“The administration’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern is a momentous step forward for international religious freedom. While there is still much work ahead, this decisive action renews hope that real protection and accountability are on the horizon. The President’s commitment to Nigeria can serve as a model to protect persecuted Christians worldwide, as Christians are the most persecuted religious group globally."

- Sean Nelson, Senior Counsel for Global Religious Freedom at ADF International

Signatories to the letter include top leaders in the movement to end global Christian persecution, including Alliance Defending Freedom President & CEO Kristen Waggoner, Matt and Mercedes Schlapp of the CPAC Foundation, former Congressman Frank Wolf, former Senior Advisor to the President on International Religious Freedom Sarah Makin, President of Family Research Council and former Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Tony Perkins, President & CEO of Concerned Women for America Penny Nance, President & CEO of CatholicVote Kelsey Reinhardt, Director of the Hudson Institute’s Center for Religious Freedom Nina Shea, and many others. The letter was developed through the CPAC Christian Persecution Coalition. In addition to highlighting the crisis in Nigeria, the letter urges President Trump to „continue to make the defense of religious freedom internationally a core U.S. foreign policy priority” and to “continue and even elevate” the defense of persecuted Christians worldwide. 

“We commend your recognition of the major threat and devastation facing Christians in Nigeria from radical Islamists and a government that has taken little action to protect them, as well as your clear-eyed statements placing all available Presidential actions on the table to ensure that action is taken soon,” the letter reads.

Christian Persecution in Nigeria

Nigeria remains one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a Christian. In 2025 alone, more than 7,000 Christians have been killed for their faith, with an average of 35 murdered every single day. Since Boko Haram launched its insurgency in 2009, estimates indicate that between 50,000 and 100,000 Christians have lost their lives due to religiously motivated violence. 

The destruction of churches has become a defining feature of the crisis, with over 19,000 churches attacked or destroyed in recent years. In the central regions of Benue and Plateau States the situation has worsened dramatically, with more than 9,500 people, mostly Christians, killed between May 2023 and May 2025, and around 500,000 individuals newly displaced from their homes due to targeted attacks. 

“The numbers we have seen in Nigeria are alarming. With the renewed CPC designation for Nigeria, we are hopeful that this will bring about real change. The letter to the president, which ADF International gladly has joined, acknowledges the horrors that Christians have faced for years and paints a picture of what a path toward protecting them and religious freedom for all can look like,” said Kelsey Zorzi, Director of Advocacy for ADF International.  

Advocacy for Nigeria’s Persecuted Christians

ADF International continues to advocate for Christians and other religious minorities who face severe persecution across Nigeria. The organization has supported multiple individuals targeted under blasphemy laws or attacked for their faith. 

One such case is that of Rhoda Jatau, a Christian mother imprisoned for 19 months after allegedly sharing a video condemning the brutal lynching of Christian college student Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu. With legal support from ADF International, Jatau was fully acquitted in December 2024, marking an important victory for justice and free expression. 

ADF International also backed the successful appeal of *David (name changed for security reasons)*, a Christian man who was wrongfully convicted and suffered torture after helping a convert escape violent threats. A Nigerian High Court ultimately overturned his conviction, acknowledging the injustices he endured. 

Today, ADF International continues its support for Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, a Sufi musician imprisoned for over five years after a WhatsApp message deemed blasphemous. Once sentenced to death, Sharif-Aminu is now awaiting his next hearing before the Supreme Court of Nigeria, and his case may be heard and decided in the coming months. Sharif-Aminu’s case has the potential to abolish Nigeria’s harsh blasphemy laws, which embolden mob violence and fuel the climate of hostility facing Christians and other vulnerable groups.

Global Advocacy for Persecuted Christians

The coalition letter underscores that the crisis in Nigeria reflects a broader global trend of growing hostility toward Christians. ADF International supports numerous cases across the world, advocating for the right to freely live out one’s faith. 

The letter states, “We see atrocities and grave violations being committed worldwide, from Nicaragua to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan, from Algeria to Syria to China, and in so many other places.” In Nicaragua, ADF International has represented  Christian pastors punished for their faith. In Sudan, the organization has advocated for Christians targeted for conversion to the faith. The letter also highlights Algeria, where nearly every Protestant church has been closed by the government. Amid this crackdown, Pastor Youssef Ourahmane faces prosecution before the country’s Supreme Court for leading Christian worship, with a potential prison sentence.  

The letter also warns that even in democratic societies, Christians increasingly face pressure and punishment for expressing their beliefs. Cases like Päivi Räsänen in Finland and Adam Smith-Connor in the United Kingdom show how legal and social pressures are mounting against Christians, even in places where religious freedom is traditionally protected. 

“The U.S. should stand as a beacon for the fundamental right to religious freedom and a voice for persecuted Christians globally, because if we do not stand, no one else will,” the letter concludes. “We ask that you continue to make the defense of religious freedom internationally a core U.S. foreign policy priority, and that you continue and even elevate your defense of persecuted Christians worldwide.” 

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European Parliament Calls for Urgent Protection of Christians and other Religious Minorities in Syria Following Targeted Attacks

  • The European Parliament adopted a resolution following one of Syria’s deadliest anti-Christian attacks in years at Mar Elias Church in Damascus 
  • ADF International welcomes the resolution’s explicit condemnation of targeted violence against Christians and other religious minorities and calls for greater EU action on religious freedom in Syria 

STRASBOURG (10 July 2025) – The European Parliament has adopted an Urgency Resolution condemning the terrorist attack on the Greek Orthodox Church of Mar Elias in Damascus and calling for increased protection of Christians and other religious minorities in Syria. The resolution urges action against the rise of violent Islamist extremism and emphasizes the urgent need for religious freedom protections.

„This resolution marks an important step toward building international momentum to protect Christians and other religious minorities in Syria,“ said Kelsey Zorzi, Director of Global Religious Freedom for ADF International. „The European Parliament is right to demand accountability, not only for the Mar Elias attack, but for the broader pattern of religious persecution in Syria, and to condition future support on the Syrian government’s compliance with human rights obligations.“ 

This resolution marks an important step toward building international momentum to protect Christians and other religious minorities in Syria. The European Parliament is right to demand accountability, not only for the Mar Elias attack, but for the broader pattern of religious persecution in Syria, and to condition future support on the Syrian government’s compliance with human rights obligations."

-Kelsey Zorzi, Director of Global Religious Freedom for ADF International

Growing threats to religious minorities in Syria demand urgent international response

The resolution follows the June 22 suicide bombing at the Mar Elias Church in Damascus, which left at least 25 dead and over 60 injured in the deadliest anti-Christian attack in Syria in years. The Islamist terrorist group Saraya Ansar al Sunna has claimed responsibility for the deadly attack. 

The European Parliament condemned the attack and urged the Syrian transitional authorities to conduct independent investigations and to “ensure accountability including by prosecuting perpetrators and enablers of human rights violations like in the case of Mar Elias.” The resolution also calls for the Syrian government to restore the historic Mar Elias Church and to establish a Syria Reconstruction Fund to support reconciliation and interfaith dialogue. The Parliament further calls on EU Member States to maintain and expand targeted sanctions against those responsible for religious freedom violations.

The resolution draws specific attention to the vulnerability of Christian communities in Syria. In addition to the recent violence, Christians in Syria are facing an escalating pattern of harassment and intimidation—including the recent vandalism of a church in Tartus, where messages were left demanding that local Christians pay jizyah, a historical tax imposed on non-Muslims. In other cities across the country, pastors have faced pressure from authorities to allow government monitoring of church activities. Christians have also been subjected to discriminatory treatment at military and security checkpoints, and there have been multiple reports of Christian cemeteries being desecrated, with crosses on tombs deliberately destroyed. These actions collectively contribute to an atmosphere of fear and marginalization for Syria’s Christian minority. 

In addition to threats to their safety, harassment, and intimidation, Christians and other religious minorities in Syria face increasing and systemic economic discrimination. Reports indicate that many are denied access to public sector employment, excluded from key roles in the private sector, and often encounter barriers when renewing business licenses or seeking state services. This economic marginalization leaves religious minority families in a highly vulnerable position and continues to drive the emigration and decline of one of Syria’s oldest religious communities. 

The resolution was adopted as a joint motion pursuant to Rule 136(4) and 150 of the European Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, referring to breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The joint motion was tabled by several major political groups, signaling broad consensus on the need to address religious persecution in Syria. 

“We call on the European Commission to reappoint, without further delay, a Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU,” said Adina Portaru, Senior Counsel for ADF International in Brussels. “This would be an important step in showing much-needed, real commitment to protecting this fundamental right worldwide.” 

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Christian Convert From Islam Freed After Imprisonment Over Facebook Posts

  • Contributor to Facebook group for Christian converts from Islam has been freed after over three years in detention 
  • Abdulbaqi Saeed Abdo, father of 5, withstood severe conditions – and period of hunger strike – before being released from prison this month, with support from ADF International

CAIRO (2 February 2025) – The father of 5 imprisoned for participating in a private Facebook group about converting to Christianity from Islam has been freed from detention after 3 years – but his case remains open.

Abdulbaqi Saeed Abdo, originally from Yemen, was part of a Christian Facebook group that discussed Islamic theology and apologetics. In 2021, Abdo was arrested while he was living as a UNHCR-registered asylum seeker in Egypt. He had originally fled to Egypt because he faced death threats in Yemen after converting to Christianity.  

"It isn’t right that a government should tear me away from my family, keep me in these awful conditions, only because of the faith in which I peacefully choose to believe."

- Abdulbaqi Saeed Abdo

He was moved between several detention centers throughout his three years of imprisonment, even undergoing a hunger strike within his final six months in an act of desperation. The husband and father of five suffered from poor health in relation to his heart, liver, and kidneys. 

“I endured many hardships in prison. It isn’t right that a government should tear me away from my family, keep me in these awful conditions, only because of the faith in which I peacefully choose to believe. 

„I thank everyone who prayed for me while I was in prison, cared about and followed up on my case, and shared the joy of my release from prison,” commented Abdo upon his release. 

Abdo’s son, Husam Baqi, added: 

„It is hideous that individuals are not allowed to believe and express their beliefs freely and are imprisoned or killed for their faith.“

"This case shows the extremity of unchecked government censorship in the online age."

- Abdulbaqi Saeed Abdo

Abdo continues to fight his open legal battle with support from ADF International, who helped secure his release by submitting his case to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. 

A Global Trend of Online Censorship

Commenting on the case, Kelsey Zorzi, Director of Advocacy for Religious Freedom for ADF International, said: 

“The arbitrary detention of this husband and father without a criminal trial, and the lack of an opportunity for him to defend himself against alleged offenses, constitutes a severe violation of human rights. 

„The peaceful expression of one’s religious convictions cannot be a crime – not in Egypt, nor anywhere else in the world. This case shows the extremity of unchecked government censorship in the online age. The world must take note.” 

Support from around the World

While Abdo sufered in prison, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, research fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution, described his unfair treatment as “grotesque”. 

„The imprisonment of Yemeni refugee Abdulbaqi Saeed Abdo at the hands of Egyptian authorities is a surreal example of censorial blasphemy policies in action,“ she said.  

Previously a prominent atheist, Ali announced in November that she was converting to Christianity. Because of her outspoken rhetoric against the Muslim Brotherhood, she faces constant death threats.  

„This is the logical conclusion to a trend that empowers authorities to brutalize innocent people for free expression on social media. From China to Pakistan, from Russia to Syria, from the UK to Egypt—free speech must urgently be defended from our age’s resurgent Stalinism,” she added.

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PICTURED: Abdulbaqi Saeed Abdo; Kelsey Zorzi, ADF International

Jim Demers: Justice Delayed and Overdue in Canada

Jim Demers is a Canadian pro-lifer who deserves justice.

The authorities have violated Canadian man Jim Demers' rights

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Paul Coleman

Executive Director, ADF International

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Jim Demers is a Canadian pro-lifer who deserves justice.

Around the world, governments are enacting so-called “buffer zones”—restricted areas where the state dictates what can and cannot be said. These designated zones—incorporating public footpaths, bus stops, and even people’s homes—prohibit otherwise perfectly lawful activity from taking place within them.

They’re even being used to criminalize silent prayer in public places, as in the cases of Isabel Vaughan-Spruce and Adam Smith-Connor—two courageous UK citizens we’ve stood alongside.

As we’ll see, these restrictions on our lawful right to freedom of thought and expression have been going on for a long time. We want to introduce you to Jim Demers, a lifelong Canadian resident who has faced unrelenting opposition for his pro-life views.

Jim Demers' So-Called 'Crime'

Back in 1996, Jim stood peacefully on a public sidewalk outside an abortion facility in Vancouver, holding a sign that quoted the American Convention on Human Rights:

“Every person has the right to have his life respected. This right shall be protected by law and, in general, from the moment of conception.” This peaceful act of expression led to Jim’s conviction as a criminal. He was imprisoned alongside violent offenders—all for exercising his right to free expression.

His so-called “crime”? Holding a pro-life sign within the “bubble zone” created by the Access to Abortion Services Act of British Columbia. Jim was convicted for “protesting against abortion services” and “sidewalk interference” inside the zone. But Jim didn’t speak to or interact with any members of the public or staff at the abortion facility, nor did he obstruct access to the facility in any way.

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Censorship Zones Silence Pro-Life Viewpoints

We can all agree that harassment is wrong. Indeed, in many countries that have introduced these buffer zones, harassment is already illegal. These zones are about silencing pro-life viewpoints in the exact place where a pro-life viewpoint might be needed the most. 

Both international law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantee the fundamental right to freedom of expression. Yet the unjust and discriminatory Act under which Jim was convicted still stands to this day—nearly 30 years later.

The shrinking space for free speech in Canada results from such laws being left to stand for decades, creating the false impression that these restrictions are legitimate. Let us reiterate to you today that they are not.

Jim brought his case to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights in 2004. Twenty years later, the Commission still has not delivered a judgment, choosing instead to simply sit on his case. This is arguably the most severe case of an alleged backlog at any international human rights body.

Conclusion: We Will Stand with Jim Demers and He Deserves Justice

Now, we are standing with Jim. We have reactivated his case and are calling on the Commission to finally rule that Canadian authorities violated his rights. This case isn’t just about Jim—it’s about protecting the freedom of every person to express themselves without fear of criminal prosecution.

If international law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms mean anything, then Jim’s rights—and the right of every person to free expression—must be defended.

“I hope I’m never silent when bad things are happening, and I hope nobody else is silent either when bad things are happening. I have dedicated my life to speaking out in defence of the unborn, and because of this, I was criminally convicted and even spent time in jail.” Jim’s courage reminds us that silence is never an option when freedoms are at risk. He deserves justice, no matter how delayed.