Bengt Sjöberg

 

Christian Solidarity Worldwide www.csw.org.uk has received reports that at least 100 arrests of Iranian Christians have taken place in 24 cities across the country in the last three to four months.

 

CSW says that in the early hours of Boxing Day (Dec.26), 25 Christians from evangelical house churches in Tehran and other parts of Iran were detained.

 

Since then, the arrests of Christians have continued in 24 cities, including Tehran, Karaj, Isfahan, Ahwaz, Rasht, Anzali, Mashad and Yazd. Homes were ransacked and Christians were interrogated or ordered to report to security officers in Kermanshah and Sanandaj.

 

In a media update, obtained by ANS, CSW says: "Those arrested have been predominantly Christian evangelicals from Iranian backgrounds. Prior to being released, Christians in Hamadan, Arak, Bandar Abbas, Bandar Mahshahr, Shiraz, Ardabil, Tabriz and Khoramabad were interrogated and forced to sign documents stating that they would not engage in proselytism nor attend house church meetings."

 

CSW says that as pressure has mounted, some pastors and house church members have been forced to flee the country. Those who remain face possible charges for apostasy (leaving Islam) and for activities such as proselytizing and holding church services.

 

CSW went on to say: "Typically, Christians detainees are interrogated and then released on bail pending further questioning and re-arrest. Bail rates can be as high as US$30,000, and detainees are also obliged to sign illegal documents forcing them to refrain from Christian activities or recant their faith.

 

"No evangelical church has been able to register a building in Iran since the Iranian revolution, despite Christianity being a protected religious minority in the Iranian constitution."

 

CSW's Advocacy Director Andrew Johnston, who will be speaking about the lack of religious freedom in Iran at the European Parliament on February 1, said, "CSW has grave concerns for those held in detention, who are vulnerable to abuse whilst in prison, and are being subjected to interrogation tactics that include sleep deprivation and solitary confinement."

 

He added: "The international community must continue to urge the government of Iran to abide by its responsibilities as a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, allowing its citizens to exercise their right to freedom of religion and belief, and releasing those detained solely on the basis of their religious affiliation."

 

CSW stated that thirteen Boxing Day detainees who remain in prison include: Javad and Anahita Zare, Leila Akhavan, Sara Akhavan, Mehdi Forootan, Ladan Nouri, Farshid Fathi, Mohammad Zardouz, Nasrin Hosseini Nia, Rasool Abdolahi and his wife Maryam, Miss Yasmaan and Mr Basir.

 

CSW also says that Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani of the Jesus-Only Pentecostal church was charged with apostasy and arrested on October 13, 2009 while attempting to register his church. He had earlier questioned the Muslim monopoly on the religious instruction of children in Iran.

 

Pastor Nadarkhani was reportedly tried and informed orally in late September 2010 that he was to receive the death penalty, although the written sentence was not issued until November 13. Pastor Nadarkhani's lawyer filed an appeal on December 5; however, the date for the hearing has yet to be announced. Pastor Nadarkhani is currently held incommunicado in Lakan prison.

 

CSW explained that despite being a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which recognizes the right to choose a religion, in practice Iran is discriminatory towards non-Muslim groups. Article 12 of the Iranian constitution declares Islam to be the country's official religion. Article 13 of the 1979 constitution recognizes Christianity, Judaism and Zoroastrianism as minority religions. The freedom to change one's religion is not recognized for Iranian Muslims.

 

CSW's briefing on Iran will be available on January 28. Media are asked to contact the press office for details.

 

CSW is the UK's leading human rights advocacy organization specializing in religious freedom, working on behalf of those persecuted for their Christian beliefs and promoting religious liberty for all.

 

 

 

Iranian Christian Pastor Summoned, Arrested
By Michael Ireland

 

An Iranian Christian pastor has been detained by Iranian authorities. According to Jason DeMars of Present Truth Ministries, Pastor Behnam Irani has been convicted of "actions against the Order."

 

DeMars said this means Irani organized house church meetings and other Christian activities. In an e-mail update to ANS, DeMars said: "I have learned that around 2 AM Central Standard Time, 11AM in Iran, he was summoned for a meeting with the security service and subsequently arrested."

 

Pastor Behnam is a husband and father of two children.
"Please spread the word to pray for his release, for his strength to endure for Jesus and for peace for his family. Also, please spread the word to your elected officials to take action," DeMars said.

 

In the case of Behrouz Sadegh-Khandjani, who is in prison in Shiraz, DeMars said he will finally come to trial on February 5.
"Please pray for him and for his family. Satan is doing all that he can through the government of Iran to destroy the lives of Christians.

 

"The mother of Behrouz (she is originally from the Congo) is unable to access basic services in the country because her identification was taken by the secret police and they will not give it back to her. I ask that you pray for her as well."

 

DeMars also stated that Youcef Nadarkhani remains in prison in Lakan province in northern Iran.
"His status has not changed. He continues to be under the death sentence for apostasy. He is waiting for the Supreme Court to either strike down or certify the sentencing. Continue to pray for him and his family."