Reminder: Hearing on FoRB Violations Against Christians Abroad

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) will hold a hearing on Christian persecution abroad. Many governments deny Christian communities the right to worship, teach, and speak about their faith. In all too many cases, Christians are being harassed, imprisoned, or murdered for merely exercising their faith. In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended the U.S. government take steps to address FoRB violations, including those that impact Christians. 

Witnesses will discuss FoRB conditions in select countries where Christians face religious persecution. They will illustrate how broad restrictions on FoRB are having particular effects on Christian communities abroad. Witnesses will also discuss U.S. government efforts and make recommendations on how to enhance relevant policies. 

Opening Remarks

• Chair Vicky Hartzler, USCIRF
• Vice Chair Asif Mahmood, USCIRF

Witnesses

• Grace Drexel, Daughter of Detained Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, China
• Y Phic H'dok, Founder, Montagnards Stand For Justice, Vietnam
• Abdulbaqi Said Abdo, Former Christian religious prisoner of conscience, Egypt
• Anonymous Pastor, Chin Community of Burma
• Negede Teklemariam, Jehovah’s Witness, Former Religious Prisoner of Conscience, Eritrea
• Rebecca Dali, Founder, Center for Caring, Empowering and Peace Initiatives; Pastor, Church of the Brethren in Nigeria
• Martha Patricia Molina, Lawyer and Catholic Researcher, Nicaragua
• Aneeqa Maria Anthony, Chief Executive, The Voice Society, Pakistan 
• Norredine Benzid, Former General Secretary; Pastor, Protestant Church of Algeria (EPA), Algeria

*Additional witnesses may be added

This hearing is open to Members of Congress, congressional staff, the public, and the media. For any additional questions or to schedule an interview, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..