India: Newly introduced anti-conversion law in Madhya Pradesh brings increased levels of persecution

International Christian Concern (ICC) reported on 12 February 2021 that Christians faced a dramatic escalation of persecution in January 2021 in the state of Madhya Pradesh. According to an article published in the Hindustan Times on 11 February 2021, 19 Christians and 9 Muslims have been arrested and charged under Madhya Pradesh's new anti-conversion law. Rolf Zeegers, persecution analyst at World Watch Research explains: "The wave of persecution began on 9 January 2021 when the Madhya Pradesh State government enacted a new anti-conversion law, the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Ordinance. Although intended to regulate religious conversions and strictly criminalize forced conversions, the new law has incited Hindu nationalist groups to scale up their persecution of local Christians and Muslims. Until 23 March 2020, Madhya Pradesh was governed by the Indian National Congress Party, but after that date the BJP took over. Since then, Christians have experienced growing levels of violence in the state. The recent passing of the anti-conversion law has resulted in a further deterioration for both Christians and Muslims."