Hate Speech Against Christians in Persian Social Networks

Since Christmas celebrations began, a widespread wave of hate speech against Christians has been observed in Persian-language social networks.

December 25th marks the birth of Jesus Christ and the beginning of Christmas celebrations, which run from December 25th to January 6th in various countries. However, this year, with the beginning of these celebrations by Christians around the world, hateful content against Christians has been published in Persian-language social networks.

Not only did the spread of these anti-Christian and hate-filled messages provoke numerous reactions, but Khamenei’s refusal to formally congratulate the Christian community on Christmas drew significant attention to the matter and prompted a different message from him.

Beyond the fact that Iranian Christians, Assyrians, Caldeans, and followers of Protestant churches celebrate Christmas—their greatest celebration—on December 25th, even Muslim Iranians consider it their duty to congratulate the Christian community on Christmas each year as customary, and even participate in their celebrations.

Islamic Republic officials also send ceremonial messages each year on the occasion of Jesus Christ’s birth, congratulating Christians under the title “Eid of the Birth of Christ (AS).” Khamenei himself congratulated the Christian community on this occasion in previous years.

Contrary to previous years, media outlets connected to Khamenei’s office published a tweet this year that was referred to as “a message congratulating the Eid of the Birth of Christ (AS),” while there was no mention of Christ’s birth or Christmas celebrations.

Khamenei also published a message in English on his X account, writing: “If Jesus (AS) were among us today, he would not hesitate even for a moment in fighting the leaders of global arrogance and would not tolerate the hunger and displacement of billions of people driven to war by hegemonic powers.”

It is regrettable that, in addition to Khamenei’s cold message and his refusal to congratulate the Christian community, we have witnessed an increase in hate speech against Christians in Persian-language social networks, particularly on December 25th and 26th, coinciding with the birth of Jesus Christ and Christmas celebrations.

According to reports published by social media activists, from December 25th to January 6th, during the Christmas celebration period worldwide, hate speech against Christians has increased by 50 percent compared to last year (2024). Additionally, more than 23,000 posts regarding antisemitism, 2,500 posts against Baháʼís, 3,200 posts containing anti-Sunni content, and 2,300 posts against Zoroastrians have been published in Persian-language social media.

Khamenei’s refusal to congratulate Jesus Christ’s birth to the Christian community stands in contrast to cases where the government utilizes the Christian community—such as in elections, anti-Israel sentiments, and war—but when it comes to their beliefs and convictions, not only does it oppress them, but it also refrains from congratulating this great global celebration, as if it considers Christians merely as a tool that can be used when necessary.