FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Lauren Hourtovenko
lauren@grafmartin.com
519-342-3703 x 108
Iranian Security Services Crackdown on Christians
Raids and mass arrests in northern Iran have 50 ‘unrecognized Christians’ in captivity
WATERLOO, Ont., July 24, 2023 – More than 50 Christian converts have been arrested over the past week in a series of raids by Iranian state security services. This wave of arrests and arbitrary detentions within the Christian community in northern Iran have resulted in at least 51 people being detained in Tehran, Karaj, Rasht, Orumiyeh and Aligoudarz.
“Police are entering family homes and seizing parents in front of their children,” said Kiaa Aalipour, spokesperson for Open Doors’ partner group Article18, which advocates for Iran’s Christian minority. “Christian converts are usually charged with propaganda against the state or membership of illegal groups which are considered ‘anti-state’. These charges can carry a ten-year prison term.”
Map of cities where Christians have been arrested and detained
The latest arrests follow a period of relative calm on the streets of Iran after months of mass protests, which were often violently suppressed by police. It is believed that these arrests mark a deliberate shift in strategy by the Iranian authorities. “The return to a more forceful approach may be to send a message – both nationally and internationally – that the state will not be deterred,” said Aalipour.
Everyone who has been arrested so far are converts from Shia Islam. Converting is considered a threat to national security, and converts are referred to by state authorities as ‘Unrecognized Christians.’ Estimates suggest up to one million people are categorized this way in Iran.
“It’s not clear what the motive is for this sudden surge in arrests of Christians,” said Gary Stagg, Executive Director of Open Doors Canada. “This seems to be part of a wider crackdown on civil liberties.”
Iran is number eight on Open Doors’ annual World Watch List, which ranks nations where it is most dangerous to be a Christian. The regime sees Iranian Christians as an attempt by Western nations to undermine Islam and the Islamic regime of Iran. Leaders of Christian convert groups have received lengthy prison sentences.
Interviews with the Executive Director of Open Doors Canada, Rev. Gary Stagg, are available.
###
About Open Doors Canada
Open Doors Canada is affiliated with Open Doors International, a global ministry which has supported and strengthened persecuted Christians in more than 70 countries for over 65 years. Open Doors provides practical support to persecuted Christians such as food, medicines, trauma care, legal assistance, safe houses and schools, as well as spiritual support through Christian literature, training and resources. For more information, visit www.opendoorscanada.org.
About Rev. Gary Stagg
For more than thirty years, Gary has been involved in full-time ministry with an emphasis on the revitalization of Christian communities and the establishment of systems for assimilation and discipleship. Gary studied education and theology and has used that training to structure his passion for helping people stand firm in their faith and embrace a missional lifestyle.
About Kiaa (Kiarash) Aalipour
Kiaa (Kiarash) Aalipour is a multi-lingual Iranian-Dutch media producer, journalist, author and advocacy consultant with experience in Europe, the Middle East and North America. He is a member of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). Kiaa is also a Human rights defender, particularly freedom of religion or belief and Refugee rights, and he is the spokesperson of Human rights organizations, including Article18. He resides in Canada.