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Persecution News - Iran

Update: Christian man released from prison
(August 05, 2010)

Mass arrests of new Christian converts in Mashhad
(August 05, 2010)

Christian in solitary confinement
(July 15, 2010)

Update: Christian women acquitted, couple released on bail
(May 27, 2010)

Update: Young Christian man released from prison
(April 29, 2010)

Christians arrested and detained
(April 22, 2010)

Update: Christian women await court hearing results
(April 15, 2010)

Update: Christians released from prison
(April 08, 2010)

Christian couple arrested
(March 04, 2010)

More Christians detained, two released
(February 25, 2010)

Arrests of Christians continue
(February 18, 2010)

Three believers detained
(January 21, 2010)

Christian arrested, sentenced to house arrest
(January 07, 2010)

Authorities attack Christmas gathering, arrest two Christians
(December 23, 2009)

Update: Christians finally released from prison
(November 18, 2009)

Church forced to close main worship services in Tehran
(November 04, 2009)

Update: Further charges brought against prisoners
(October 14, 2009)

Update: Christians released
(September 16, 2009)

Several Christian converts from Islam arrested
(September 09, 2009)

Update: Imprisoned women appear before court
(August 12, 2009)

Authorities crack down on Christians
(August 12, 2009)

Iran Profile

Total Area:
1,648,000 sq. km

Population:
65,875,223 (July 2008 est.)

Ethnicity:
Persian 51%, Azeri 24%, Gilaki and Mazandarani 8%, Kurd 7%, Arab 3%, Lur 2%, Baloch 2%, Turkmen 2%, other 1%

Language:
Persian and Persian dialects 58%, Turkic and Turkic dialects 26%, Kurdish 9%, Luri 2%, Balochi 1%, Arabic 1%, Turkish 1%, Other 2%

Religion:
Muslim 98% (Shi'a 89%, Sunni 9%), other (includes Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian, and Baha'i) 2%

Government Type:
Theocratic Republic

Capital:
Tehran

Population Below Poverty Line:
18% (2007)

Country Reports

Christian in solitary confinement

July 15, 2010

Photo from FCNN

An Iranian Christian, Ali Golchin (29), has been held in solitary confinement in Tehran's Evin prison since he was arrested in his home town of Varamin on April 29. After weeks of appealing to the authorities, Ali's father was finally allowed access to him on June 17 -- though they were allowed only 10 minutes together. Ali's father shared that he was distressed to find his son "crying uncontrollably" and in obvious pain. Ali, who is a chemical analyst, has been sent to the prison health centre twice due to "weakness and severe stomach aches." Sources believe Ali has been ill-treated during interrogation sessions.

The Iranian authorities have still not charged Ali with any offence, nor has a defence lawyer been appointed to his case. Ali's wife has been warned not to attend church and told that she will only be able to negotiate with the authorities about Ali's release if she converts to Islam. (Source: Farsi Christian News Network)

Please pray for Ali's release! Pray the Lord will sustain him and his family. Pray the Lord will use Ali's testimony to strengthen the faith of other believers and bring about change in the political and judicial system in Iran.

You can learn more about the plight of Iranian Christians by visiting the Iran Country Report.