Increased Pressure on Christian Converts in Iran

In recent weeks, additional cases of arrests and security confrontations by the Islamic Republic with Christians participating in house churches have been reported. Most arrests have been noted in Tehran, Karaj, and Shiraz. Reports indicate that Pastor Yousef Naderkhani and his wife were released after a temporary detention following a raid by intelligence agents of the Islamic Republic on their home in Rasht. The Christian Solidarity Worldwide website, citing its sources, stated that the raid on the Naderkhani home is part of a series of incidents targeting about 10 Christian homes. The report added that three other Christians who were also arrested on Friday remain in custody. The mentioned Christian site continued that it has learned that 'Yasser Mosibzadeh' was arrested during the raid on Pastor Naderkhani's home, and agents of the Ministry of Intelligence summoned 'Sahib Fadaei' and 'Mohammad Reza Omidi' to their offices by phone before raiding their homes. This site supporting Christians added that it has been reported that their Bibles, computers, and mobile phones have been confiscated. The report noted that this is not the first time these individuals have been arrested and detailed previous arrests, imprisonments, and sentences against them over the past years. According to reports, Christian converts in the Islamic Republic are threatened and intimidated on charges of apostasy. In conclusion, the Christian Solidarity Worldwide website quoted its executive director, 'Marvin Thomas,' stating that while they are relieved about the freedom of Pastor and Mrs. Naderkhani, they remain deeply concerned about the status of Yasser Mosibzadeh, Sahib Fadaei, and Mohammad Reza Omidi, who are still in custody. He added that the government should be held accountable for the harassment of the Christian community in Iran, especially the ongoing raids on homes and baseless arrests, and continued that they still urge the Islamic Republic to fully respect its commitments to its constitution and international human rights laws by ensuring justice and equality before the law for all citizens, regardless of their religion or belief.