At least 100 Christians detained in 23 cities

Christian Solidarity Worldwide has received reports that at least 100 arrests of Iranian Christians have taken place in 24 cities across the country in the last three to four months.

In the early hours of Boxing Day, 25 Christians from evangelical house churches in Tehran and other parts of Iran were detained. Since then, the arrests of Christians have continued in 24 cities, including Tehran, Karaj, Isfahan, Ahwaz, Rasht, Anzali, Mashad and Yazd. Homes were ransacked and Christians were interrogated or ordered to report to security officers in Kermanshah and Sanandaj.

Those arrested have been predominantly Christian evangelicals from Iranian backgrounds. Prior to being released, Christians in Hamadan, Arak, Bandar Abbas, Bandar Mahshahr, Shiraz, Ardabil, Tabriz and Khoramabad were interrogated and forced to sign documents stating that they would not engage in proselytism nor attend house church meetings.

As pressure has mounted some pastors and house church members have been forced to flee the country. Those who remain face possible charges for apostasy (leaving Islam) and for activities such as proselytising and holding church services.

Typically, Christians detainees are interrogated and then released on bail pending further questioning and re-arrest. Bail rates can be as high as US$30,000, and detainees are also obliged to sign illegal documents forcing them to refrain from Christian activities or recant their faith. No evangelical church has been able to register a building in Iran since the Iranian revolution, despite Christianity being a protected religious minority in the Iranian constitution.

CSW’s Advocacy Director Andrew Johnston, who will be speaking about the lack of religious freedom in Iran at the European Parliament on 1 February, said, “CSW has grave concerns for those held in detention, who are vulnerable to abuse whilst in prison, and are being subjected to interrogation tactics that include sleep deprivation and solitary confinement. The international community must continue to urge the government of Iran to abide by its responsibilities as a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, allowing its citizens to exercise their right to freedom of religion and belief, and releasing those detained solely on the basis of their religious affiliation.”

For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Kiri Kankhwende, Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 (0)20 8329 0045 / +44 (0) 78 2332 9663, email kiri@csw.org.uk or visit www.csw.org.uk.

CSW is the UK’s leading human rights advocacy organisation specialising in religious freedom, working on behalf of those persecuted for their Christian beliefs and promoting religious liberty for all.

Notes to editors:

1. Thirteen Boxing Day detainees who remain in prison include: Javad and Anahita Zare, Leila Akhavan, Sara Akhavan, Mehdi Forootan, Ladan Nouri, Farshid Fathi, Mohammad Zardouz, Nasrin Hosseini Nia, Rasool Abdolahi and his wife Maryam, Miss Yasmaan and Mr Basir.

2. Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani of the Jesus-Only Pentecostal church was charged with apostasy and arrested on 13 October 2009 while attempting to register his church. He had earlier questioned the Muslim monopoly on the religious instruction of children in Iran. Pastor Nadarkhani was reportedly tried and informed orally in late September 2010 that he was to receive the death penalty, although the written sentence was not issued until 13 November. Pastor Nadarkhani’s lawyer filed an appeal on 5 December; however, the date for the hearing has yet to be announced. Pastor Nadarkhani is currently held incommunicado in Lakan prison.

3. Despite being a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which recognises the right to choose a religion, in practice Iran is discriminatory towards non-Muslim groups. Article 12 of the Iranian constitution declares Islam to be the country’s official religion. Article 13 of the 1979 constitution recognises Christianity, Judaism and Zoroastrianism as minority religions. The freedom to change one’s religion is not recognised for Iranian Muslims.

4. CSW’s briefing on Iran will be available on 28 January. Please contact the press office for details.