Persecution of Christians in Iran: A Call to Prayer
In Iran, a new wave of persecution has struck Christians, with 43 believers arrested across 21 cities since June 25, coinciding with the ceasefire with Israel. The specific charges against these individuals, detained in cities like Tehran, Rasht, Orumiyeh, Kermanshah, and Varamin, remain largely undisclosed. However, some arrests are linked to the possession of Bibles, while others stem from a proposed law that imposes harsh penalties for alleged collaboration with so-called “hostile states,” including the United States and Israel.
This oppressive legislation is often wielded against Christian converts, who are wrongfully labeled as “Zionists” or accused of being part of “deviant sects,” rather than being acknowledged as genuine followers of Christ. In court documents, judges have openly claimed that evangelical Christianity threatens Islamic values, disrupts families, and aligns with Western adversaries. Such harmful rhetoric continues to fuel the persecution of believers in a nation that ranks ninth on the World Watch List for Christian persecution.
Recently, UN human rights experts voiced their concerns regarding the Iranian government's treatment of minorities, emphasizing that post-conflict environments should not serve as a guise for suppressing dissent. They highlighted alarming reports of state media branding entire communities, including Christians, as “traitors,” employing dehumanizing language such as “filthy rats.”
Deprivation and Despair
Following a recent airstrike on Tehran's Evin Prison, conditions for inmates have deteriorated significantly. At least 11 Christians were transferred to other facilities, with some still unaccounted for, raising serious fears of enforced disappearances.
“We are suffering… entangled and helpless” - Aida Najaflou
Among those enduring this torment is Aida Najaflou, a 43-year-old Christian convert. In a heartbreaking voice message, she recounted the harrowing transfer of over 60 female prisoners to Qarchak Prison, where they now lack access to clean water, nutritious food, and proper sanitary facilities. “We are suffering… entangled and helpless,” she expressed.
Aida faces multiple charges, including “propaganda against the Islamic Republic” and “collusion,” merely for praying, performing baptisms, and sharing Christian content online. Even the Bible is labeled in her indictment as a “prohibited book.” Some of her charges are also tied to her support for the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement and her critiques of political figures on social media.
Despite international scrutiny, Iranian authorities persist in using fear and repression to silence religious minorities and curtail their freedom of belief. This recent surge in arrests serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices many believers make for their faith. Let us unite in prayer for our brothers and sisters in Iran, asking for their protection, strength, and unwavering faith in the face of such adversity.
Source: Article 18