Update on wave of arrests of Christians in Iran

The Voice of the Martyrs received the following from Middle East Concern this afternoon:

Iranian Christians have requested our continued prayers for a number of believers from a Muslim background (BMBs) who are currently in prison or under other forms of pressure.

In the following three incidents, BMBs remain detained:

1. Seven BMBs arrested on 31st August in Amameh, near Tehran, remain detained in Tehran's Evin prison. They were part of a house fellowship meeting attended by 25 people. Recall that all were arrested initially, and that the others were quickly released (though some were subsequently questioned again).

2. One BMB remains detained after being arrested in Rasht in late July. Seven other BMBs from Rasht, arrested at about the same time, had been quickly released.

3. Two BMBs, Maryam and Marzieh, remain detained in Evin prison following their arrest on 5th March. Recall that they appeared in court in early August when they resisted pressure to renounce their faith. No charges have been brought against them.

One new report concerns the arrest on 3rd August of Marzieh Fesahi. She too has had possessions confiscated and is being held in Evin prison.

A second new report concerns a number of BMBs being ordered to attend hearings at their local Ministry of Information offices within the western Kordestan province. Each was detained for several hours and intensely questioned. This has happened in several towns.

Iranian Christians supporting these believers request our prayers that:

a. Those detained will know the presence and peace of Jesus

b. They will be released soon

c. Those detained and released will not be harassed further

d. The current wave of pressure against BMBs would not spread further

e. All believers will be able to meet with others for worship, prayer, fellowship and teaching

f. All officials involved will be exposed to the gospel of Jesus and respond to His love for them.

Please remember these brothers and sisters in your prayers and post a prayer on our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall as a sign of solidarity with them.

If you want to know more about the plight of Christians in Iran, check out this resources from The Voice of the Martyrs.