I have been subjected to harassment and persecution by both the government and my family because of my faith in the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light. In Iran, there is no freedom of belief, and in the Islamic Republic, anyone who changes their religion is considered an apostate. Public expression of this belief may result in imprisonment and, in some cases, execution.

In Iran, anyone who leaves Islam is considered an infidel, and their blood is considered permissible (halal). After many threats and arrests of members of our religion, and realizing that I could no longer practice my faith in Iran, because I was being threatened daily, I decided to leave the country. I took steps to leave, but at Imam Khomeini Airport, after purchasing a ticket, paying the fees, and passing through inspection, my name was called over the loudspeaker.