02/01/2019 Iran (International Christian Concern) – Iran continues with its persecution of Christians, with the most recent incident being the arrest of five Christian women who converted from Islam. The details of four of the women are not known.
The fifth, named Ruhsari Kamberi, is 65 years old and was arrested by the Intelligence Ministry at her home in Karaj. The arrest was made just prior to Christmas. Authorities confiscated several of her personal items, including electronics and Christian materials (such as Bibles), while searching her residence. She was detained for ten days and interrogated during that time.
She was temporarily released after paying a bail of 30 million Toman. However, she was later charged with “acting against national security.” The prosecutor forced her to visit an Islamic religious leader who offered her the opportunity to return back to Islam.
Iran has significantly increased its persecution of Christians within the last three months. The fate of several Christians arrested by the Intelligence Ministry over the Christmas period remains unknown. We must continue to keep Iranian Christians in our prayers as they face record levels of persecutions.
For interviews with Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org.
