Crackdown on Church Intensifies as Iran Attempts to Convert Christian Prisoners
Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has been informed that Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani, who is currently in prison awaiting a final decision from the Supreme Leader of Iran regarding a death sentence for apostasy, was recently presented with Islamic literature, allegedly as part of an official campaign to convert Christian prisoners. Local sources report that a renewed campaign of harassment of Iranian Christians is underway in Iran, and that several members of the Church of Iran denomination have … Read entire article »
Filed under: Christian, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Iran
Iranian House Church Stormed by Security Officers
By Jeremy Reynalds Senior Correspondent for ASSIST News Service IRAN – Iranian security forces have stormed a house church and arrested 10 members. According to the Iranian Christian News Agency Mohabat News, the incident occurred on March 17, when 17 security officers stormed a house in the city of Kermanshah and arrested 10 Christians. Kermanshah is located in the western part of Iran near Iraqi border, 590 KM from Tehran. Mohabat News said while there has been no explanation offered by the Iranian Government’s security sources, it is likely that these 10 house church members were arrested because of their Christian beliefs and participation in church gatherings. That, the news agency commented, is is in line with the recent wave of repressive actions taken by the government against … Read entire article »
Filed under: Assist News Service, Christian, Iran, Persecution
New Christian Beaten and Tortured in Iran
By Jeremy Reynalds Senior Correspondent for ASSIST News Service IRAN (ANS) – A new Christian, and an active member of a house church ,was arrested by Iranian security forces. During his interrogation, he was severely beaten and tortured at the town of Shahryar’s Detention Center. According to a story by Mohabat News, an Iranian Christian news agency, the man was released on condition he not seek medical treatment. Mohabat said its sources say Alireza Najafzadeh is 23, and married with a newborn child. He was a resident of Shahryar, in the vicinity of the city of Karaj, and a member of the local house church of Karaj, about 25 km from Tehran. In Sep. 2010 he was arrested and charged with Christian activism. In addition to his beating, Mohabat said, Najafzadeh was tortured physically and … Read entire article »
Filed under: Assist News Service, Christian, Iran, Persecution
After 14 Months, Iranian Court Acquits Christians
Fourteen months after they were arrested for their Christian faith and activities, Maryam Rostampour and Marzieh Amirizadeh have been acquitted of all charges by the Iranian judicial authorities. However, they were warned that any future Christian activity in Iran will be seriously dealt with. Today, Saturday May 22, 2010, they left Iran and arrived safely in another country. Sam and Lin Yeghnazar, founders of Elam Ministries and spiritual parents to Maryam and Marzieh, met them at the airport. It was a tearful reunion. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Iran, Islam, Persecution
Two Christian converts from Islam to face trial April 13
By Michael Ireland, Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service TEHRAN, IRAN (ANS) — Two Christian converts from Islam, who were originally charged with anti-government activities and held in Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison for more than six months, will go on trial, Tuesday, April 13. The Jubilee Campaign (www.jubileecampaign.org ) says Maryam and Marzieh were conditionally released in November after 259 days in Iran’s Evin Prison for their Christian faith. Jubilee Campaign’s Ann Buwalda says they have been receiving medical treatment for the past five months, but both remain unwell, weak and suffer from various illnesses. Despite their frailties, they are determined to be faithful to the Lord and speak the truth in court whatever the consequence or personal cost. Buwalda asks that for the next few days leading up to their court hearing, prayers … Read entire article »
Filed under: Assist News Service, Iran, Islam, Persecution
