Please pray for our Iranian family as they face yet another crackdown on their activities in the wake of the country’s ceasefire with Israel. 

Christians in Iran are facing a renewed wave of persecution, with 43 believers arrested across 21 cities since 25 June, when the ceasefire with Israel came into effect.

Although the exact charges facing those arrested in places including Tehran, Rasht, Orumiyeh, Kermanshah and Varamin have not been made public, some of the cases involve possession of Bibles. Others are connected to a newly proposed law that threatens severe punishments for alleged collaboration with so-called ‘hostile states’, such as the United States or Israel.

Such laws are often used against Christian converts, who are frequently branded ‘Zionists’ or accused of belonging to ‘deviant sects’, rather than being recognised as legitimate believers.

In past court documents, judges have openly claimed that evangelical Christianity undermines Islamic values, disrupts the family structure and aligns with Western enemies. This mindset continues to justify increasing persecution against believers in the country, which is ninth on the World Watch List.

Recently, UN human rights experts raised alarm about the Iranian government’s treatment of minorities, warning that post-conflict periods should not be used as a cover to suppress dissent. They highlighted disturbing reports of state media labelling entire communities, including Christians, as ‘traitors’, even using language like ‘filthy rats’ to dehumanise them.

Deprivation and despair

After the recent airstrike on Tehran’s Evin Prison, prisoners’ conditions have worsened dramatically. At least 11 Christians held in Evin were transferred to other prisons, but some have not been accounted for. The fate of these individuals remains unknown, raising serious concerns about enforced disappearances.

Among those suffering is 43-year-old Christian convert Aida Najaflou. In a recent voice recording, she described the horrific transfer of over 60 female prisoners to Qarchak Prison, where they are now deprived of clean water, proper food or hygienic facilities. “We are suffering… entangled and helpless,” she said.

Aida is facing multiple charges, including ‘propaganda against the Islamic Republic’ and ‘collusion’, simply for praying, performing baptisms and sharing Christian content online. Even the Bible has been cited in her indictment as a ‘prohibited book’. Some of her charges are linked to supporting the ‘Women, Life, Freedom’ movement and criticising political figures on social media.

Despite international scrutiny, Iranian authorities continue to use repression and fear to silence religious minorities and restrict freedom of belief. The recent wave of arrests is yet another reminder of the cost many believers pay for their faith.

Source and photo: Open Doors

Aida Najaflou is amongst at least 11 Christians transferred from Evin Prison after it was hit by an airstrike