New law in Iran threatens more arrests of Christians, rights advocates say
Morning Star News Legislation passed by parliament in Iran could make it easier to arrest and imprison Christians and other religious minorities, rights advocates said. Under amendments to articles 499 and 500 of the Islamic Penal Code, those found guilty of “deviant psychological manipulation” or “propaganda contrary to Islam”, whether in the “real or virtual […]
Christian begins sentence of exile in remote, Islamist area of Iran
Morning Star News A Christian in Iran convicted of conducting evangelistic activities began a mandated two years in exile this month in a remote area on the border with Pakistan, sources said. As part of a larger prison sentence delivered in 2013, Ebrahim Firoozi, 33, was sentenced to two years in exile in Sarbaz, a […]
Churches body calls for an end to violence in Syria as Turkish operation gains pace
The World Council of Churches has condemned the violence in Syria after the Turkish military launched an operation in the country’s north-east this week. Tens of thousands of people have reportedly fled their homes amid fears of a humanitarian disaster and renewed attacks by terror group, the so-called Islamic State, in the area of conflict. […]
Iranian officials interrogate 65-year-old Christian woman for 10 days – report
World Watch Monitor Iranian authorities continue to arrest Christians, among them a 65-year-old woman who was held in detention and interrogated for ten days, day and night. Security officials raided Ruhsari Kamberi’s home in Karaj, 50 kilometres west of the capital Tehran, a few days before Christmas while she was there with four other female […]
Another Algerian church closed
World Watch Monitor An Algerian court has ordered a church in the northern Tizi Ouzou province to close because it lacks the necessary permit, reports Christian advocacy group Middle East Concern. The closure of the church in Ait Djemaa is the latest in a string of closures of Protestant churches over the past year, with another one in July and in […]
Two Iranian converts arrested; taken to unknown locations
World Watch Monitor Two Iranian Christian converts have been taken by Iran’s security agents from the houses they were staying in Karaj and Mashhad on 16th November, reports Middle East Concern. Behnam Ersali and Davood Rasooli had agreed to meet in Mashhad on Friday when they were both arrested. It is believed Iranian intelligence knew of […]
Iranian Christian released by ‘courageous’ judge
World Watch Monitor An Iranian Christian has been released from prison after being arrested in April for “propaganda against the [Iranian] establishment”, Middle East Concern has reported. Mohammad Ali Yassaghi was kept in Babol Prison in the capital of Mazandaran Province in northern Iran. He is a member of the self-styled Church of Iran, which has a […]
World Evangelical Alliance calls for Algerian authorities to safeguard religious freedom of Christians
The World Evangelical Alliance’s Religious Liberty Commission has called on authorities in Algeria to ensure that the religious freedom of Christians is safeguarded. The call comes as the WEA-RLC says authorities in recent months have reportedly stepped up restrictions against Christian churches, orchestrating what Middle East Concern has said signal a “coordinated campaign of intensified […]
Iranian pastor’s wife joins husband in jail
World Watch Monitor Shamiram Isavi Khabizeh PICTURE: Article 18 The wife of an Iranian pastor sentenced to 10 years in jail has been given a five-year sentence of her own. Shamiram Isavi Khabizeh, the wife of Victor Bet-Tamraz, was convicted of “acting against national security and against the regime by organising small groups, attending a seminary […]
Campaign against Algeria’s church “intensified”, says Middle East Concern
World Watch Monitor The Cathedral of Algiers. PICTURE: World Watch Monitor. Churches and individual Christians in Algeria have faced increased restrictions in recent months, raising concerns that these pressures signal a “coordinated campaign of intensified action against churches by the governing authorities”, according to Christian advocacy group Middle East Concern. On 19th December, three Christians were […]