Iran

“There are new reports that another Christian Pastor, Reverend Matthias Haghnejad, has been tried in Iran for his faith. Even worse, eleven members of his Christian congregation, including his wife, were also tried and are now awaiting a verdict,” the American Center for Law and Justice reports.

“Fariborz Azram, a believer from a Muslim background, was released on 11th April after six months in detention on account of his faith,” Middle East Concern reports. However, more than 20 Christians remain in prison in Iran and request our prayers.

“The Iranian Islamic regime is highly concerned about the growing tendency towards Christianity among Iranians which has now reached the authorities, officials and their family members whether inside or outside the country,” Mohabat News reports.

Fariborz Azarm was released on April 11 after spending 6 months in prison, Farsi Christian News Network reports.

“Farshid Fathi, a Christian prisoner who had been held in the notorious Evin prison for 15 months without being granted any leave permission, has been sentenced to 6 years in prison by a Revolutionary Court in Iran,” Mohabat News reports.

“As Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani nears 1,000 days in prison in Iran, activists worldwide are pressuring the Iranian government for his release. Earlier this month Nadarkhani celebrated his 35th birthday in the prison cell where he awaits execution for the crime of apostasy,” Crosswalk reports.

“A large number of historical structures have been demolished by the order of Islamic Republic authorities or gradually decayed due to the lack of attention, insufficient budget and lack of protection,” Mohabat News reports.

“Pastor Youcef was allowed to see his entire family on his birthday [last week],” the American Center for Law and Justice reports.

Human rights groups have condemned Sweden for authorizing the deportation of Iranian Christian converts back to their home country where imminent persecution, including possible imprisonment, awaits them, Mohabat News reports.

“Twelve Christians stood trial Easter Sunday in Iran, where they were called “apostates” in a courtroom and tried on multiple charges,” Fox News reports.

“[Yesterday was] Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani’s birthday, and our sources in Iran confirm that he is still alive,” the American Center for Law and Justice reports.

“Last week, a motion was raised on the floor of the House of Commons in Great Britain calling for the release of Christian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani,” the American Center for Law and Justice reports.

“Iranian pastor Yousef Nadarkhani remains in jail -- alive, yes -- but having already passed his 900th day behind bars for being a Christian and still facing a possible execution,” the Baptist Press reports.

“A historical [Christian] graveyard in the Ghal'e-dokhtar area in Kerman province ‘has [been] completely demolished,’” Mohabat News reports.

“Twelve [Iranian] Christians are to stand trial in Iran on Easter Sunday on charges including ‘crimes against the order,’” Bos News Life reports.

Click here to view a list of Christians currently imprisoned in Iran as reported by Mohabat News.

“Should he return to Iran, he could be persecuted or even executed,” said Korean Supreme Court Justice Min Young-il upon granting refugee status to an Iranian who converted from Islam to Christianity, the Korea Herald reports.

Benham Irani, a pastor from Karaj, Iran who is serving a five year prison sentence, is enduring frequent beatings from other inmates. “Without a miracle of deliverance from the Lord, brother Behnam is not likely to make it out of prison alive,” Present Truth Ministries reports. Please pray!