Iran: Wave of Arrests Targets Christian Citizens

Over the past fifteen days, a concerning trend has emerged as Christian citizens face a rising wave of arrests in Iran. The number of those apprehended has reached a troubling 70, marking a distressing escalation. While the majority of those taken into custody are Christian converts, recent reports have highlighted the detention of two Armenian citizens in the midst of these security operations.

This development sheds light on a stark contradiction within the Iranian government's stance. Despite publicly advocating for religious freedom, the arrest of Armenian citizens challenges this narrative. The Islamic Republic has maintained that Armenians and Assyrians can openly practice their faith and engage in religious ceremonies. However, for those who share their Christian beliefs with Persian-speaking converts, the situation is notably different, as they endure severe suppression.

Previous instances have seen security agencies coerce detained Christians into pledging not to partake in religious services alongside their fellow believers. Troublingly, some Christian citizens, having been initially released on bail, find themselves summoned once again for further interrogations just days after their release.

The issue also extends to financial aspects, where temporary release hinges on high monetary guarantees. These guarantees, ranging from 400 million to 2 billion  , underscore the challenges faced by those seeking freedom while grappling with the authorities' demands. Some Christian citizens are even subjected to pressure to leave the country, highlighting the harsh circumstances they face.

A particularly distressing practice involves certain Christian citizens being compelled to participate in Islamic education sessions. In recent years, the collaboration between judicial institutions and seminaries has coerced Christian converts into engaging in ideological and Islamic gatherings.

The situation is further exacerbated by the government's actions, as Persian-speaking churches have been forcibly shuttered, and house churches and homes have become targets of attack. A disconcerting upward trajectory is evident in the statistics. Comparing 2022 to the preceding year, the number of such incidents has doubled, escalating from 59 to a troubling 134 individuals. As of the close of 2022, a minimum of 17 Christians find themselves imprisoned on charges that include "acting against national security" and "propaganda against the regime."

In light of these developments, concerns mount over the plight of Christian citizens in Iran. The increasing arrests and suppression paint a bleak picture, challenging the proclaimed values of religious freedom within the country.

_{Source: AVC, Article 28}