Legal Status of Christians in the Middle East

Abstract

To date, the topic of persecution of Christians, unfortunately, still does not lose its
relevance. Despite the fact that there is a fairly strong legal framework at the international level
that provides for the protection of freedom of thought, conscience and religion, Christians in various
regions of the world are subjected to various forms of harassment. While in Western European
countries discrimination against Christians is carried out indirectly — using certain political means,
such as «tolerance», in the Middle East countries there is still a threat of their physical destruction.
This article examines and analyzes the legislation in the field of freedom of thought, conscience,
and religion in those countries where the situation of Christians is currently the most dangerous.:
Egypt, Libya, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. We also compare these normative legal acts with the realities
that are taking place in relation to Christians today.