Eight Christian Converts Arrested in Karaj

Mansour Borji, spokesperson for the 'Iranian Churches in Unity', told Radio Farda on Wednesday, August 28, that at least eight Christian converts have been arrested in Karaj in recent days, and the status of some of them is unknown. Mr. Borji also added, 'Currently, more than 90 Christians are imprisoned across the country for religious activities, evangelism, or participating in house churches.' Previously, the Mohabat News website, which covers news related to Christians in Iran, reported that on Friday, August 16, plainclothes security agents stormed a house church in Karaj, arresting a group of Christian converts who had gathered for worship. Mr. Borji further stated, 'Currently, more than 90 Christians are imprisoned across the country for religious activities, evangelism, or participating in house churches.' The website added, 'These arrests are reportedly carried out by the IRGC intelligence forces, who transferred the Christian converts to an undisclosed location for further interrogation.' According to multiple reports from the United Nations and non-governmental organizations advocating for human rights and media freedom worldwide, the Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently ranked among the most repressive governments against the press, journalists, political and civil activists, intellectuals, dissenters, religious minorities, and civil and social institutions. Since the 1979 revolution, several church leaders in Iran have been killed, and hundreds of Christians have been interrogated and imprisoned. The printing of the Bible in Persian has been banned, and some churches have been closed, with church ceremonies being obstructed.