09/27/2020 Iran (International Christian Concern) – A report published by a cyber-threat investigative organization, Check Point Research, found that religious minorities were among those most heavily targeted by Iranian government backed hackers. This includes both computers and telephones. Impacted individuals were living abroad, such in the US or Europe, but had maintained ties to their home communities and were often activists.
Cybersecurity remains a primary concern for Iran’s Christian diaspora. The government has forced many Christians to flee the country because of intense persecution. But this has not stopped believers from engaging with their family, friends, and churches who remain behind in Iran. Some have started Gospel ministries or more informal Bible Study groups which continue to involve those within Iran. These individuals frequently report being targeted in some way by the Iranian government, even though they now reside out of the country.
Iran is alarmed at the rapid growth of Christianity within the country, which is officially Islamic. This has led to an increase of persecution, but this has not stopped the growth of Iran’s underground church.
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org.
