Hungary offers Iranian Christian convert sanctuary after Sweden threatens deportation

An Iranian Christian convert, due to be deported from Sweden back to Iran, is being offered asylum in Hungary.

Aideen Strandsson's appeal was rejected by Sweden, where she has been living after converting from Islam to Christianity, despite her facing prison, rape or even death if she was returned, according to CBN

The Hungarian government has closed its borders to refugees and migrants fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East and north Africa and has refused to accept its quota of people under the European Union's forced relocation scheme.

Saying it wants to 'preserve the Christian values' of the nation, Hungary has turned its back on Muslim refugees in particular.

But a government statement on Wednesday says Hungary was 'ready to recognise the girl from Iran as a refugee who the Swedish authorities intend to send back to the Islamic Republic'.

Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjén said Strandsson can expect a 'favourable ruling as Hungary does not send anyone back to a country where his or her life or physical well-being may be in danger'.

He said: 'Taking in persecuted Christians is our moral and constitutional duty all at once.'

Justifying his country's approach to refugees he added: 'Right from the beginning, we have differentiated between economic migrants and genuine asylum-seekers. We protect Hungary from the invasion of migrants, but we provide help for genuine refugees, those whose lives are in direct danger on account of their religion, nationality or political affiliation.'

Strandsson came to Sweden in 2014 on a work visa and adopted a Swedish surname after starring in films and a TV series in Iran, according to CBN, who first broke the story.

She left Islam after watching a video of Muslims stoning a woman to death and decided then she didn't want to be a Muslim any longer, CBN reported.

Then she had a dream.

'I had a dream about Jesus, and I remember he was sitting near me and he took my hand,' she said.

After converting she was publicly baptised in Sweden and has faced multiple threats from Muslims since.

News
Pro-life group fears proposed Belfast byelaws will suppress free speech
Pro-life group fears proposed Belfast byelaws will suppress free speech

The byelaws include restrictions on pro-life material.

Jimmy Lai's daughter says he is looking to God after imprisonment
Jimmy Lai's daughter says he is looking to God after imprisonment

The daughter of imprisoned media tycoon Jimmy Lai told those gathered at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast that her father believes his life "is no longer about me, but God,” as she shared how his commitment to his faith remains strong despite the difficulties he faces. 

In many countries, people see others as morally good - but not in the US
In many countries, people see others as morally good - but not in the US

Across 25 countries, people tend to see their fellow citizens as more morally good than bad, but there are sharp differences between nations and continuing divisions over issues such as abortion, homosexuality, gambling and divorce.

The ancient Christian tradition of pilgrimage: origin, meaning and relevance
The ancient Christian tradition of pilgrimage: origin, meaning and relevance

For centuries, Christians have gone on pilgrimage to seek God, to remember the faith of those who have gone before them, and to encounter the Lord in a deeper way.