In my case, the contraband was books – taken into then communist Czechoslovakia through a network linked to the charity Aid to the Church in Need.
The country is the biggest recipient of British overseas support. We have a duty to use our influence to curb these barbaric practices.
As observant Christians approach minority status, public figures might become more willing to highlight the plight of believers abroad.
A new report, and an event tomorrow, highlight the plight of people throughout the world persecuted for practising their faith – especially by extremist Islamist groups.
One of my seasonal wishes is for the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) to include people from such religious minority groups.