Christian pastor and two friends arrested in Iran

Christians account for less than one per cent of the population of Iran, and have experienced a crackdown from Iranian authorities in recent years. AP

Three Christians, including pastor Matthias Haghnejad, have been arrested by Iranian security forces, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has confirmed.

Pastor Matthias, from Bandar Anzali, was arrested along with two friends, Mohammad Roghangir and Suroush Saraie, at his home on 5 July at 8.30am. Their current location is not yet known.

Several Bibles were allegedly confiscated from the pastor's house during the arrest, along with pamphlets and a personal computer.

It is not the first time the three have been targeted; Pastor Matthias has already served jail sentences three times, and his two contemporaries were among those arrested in October 2012 during a prayer meeting.

The group were later found guilty of "action against the national security" and "propaganda against the order of the system" and sentenced to prison.

Chief Executive of CSW Mervyn Thomas has said the organisation is "deeply concerned" by the latest developments.

"These men have been targeted by the Iranian authorities in the past, and despite the political charges being levied against them, they were clearly arrested on account of their faith," he said in a statement.

"We urge the Government of Iran to halt its harassment and imprisonment of religious minorities and to uphold freedom of religion or belief, as outlined in covenants to which Iran is party. In addition, the international community must hold Iran to account for the wellbeing of prisoners of conscience."

Iran has a long history of human rights abuses and violence is rapidly escalating across the country, propelled by laws which allow the legal persecution of minority communities such as Christians and Baha'i Muslims, who have been condemned by Iranian authorities as an "illegal cult".

Christian converts are forbidden from praying in public churches and American pastor Saeed Abedini, who is serving an eight year prison sentence for "threatening the security of the state," remains in jail in Iran for his involvement in developing home church communities.

related articles
Saeed Abedini\'s wife praying for Meriam Yehya Ibrahim
Saeed Abedini's wife praying for Meriam Yehya Ibrahim

Saeed Abedini's wife praying for Meriam Yehya Ibrahim

Pastor Saeed Abedini severely beaten in hospital, taken back to Iranian prison
Pastor Saeed Abedini severely beaten in hospital, taken back to Iranian prison

Pastor Saeed Abedini severely beaten in hospital, taken back to Iranian prison

Pastor Irani returned to prison after being assaulted by members of Iranian intelligence
Pastor Irani returned to prison after being assaulted by members of Iranian intelligence

Pastor Irani returned to prison after being assaulted by members of Iranian intelligence

Christian exodus from Iraq accelerating - two thirds have left since 2003
Christian exodus from Iraq accelerating - two thirds have left since 2003

Christian exodus from Iraq accelerating - two thirds have left since 2003

News
Young people more grateful to God, study finds
Young people more grateful to God, study finds

A new survey has suggested that 18 to 34 year olds are more likely to believe in God and have transcendental experiences.

Nigerian government accused of being in denial about persecution of Christians
Nigerian government accused of being in denial about persecution of Christians

How can thousands of slain Christians not be persecution?

Turkey arrested 115 suspected ISIS members, thwarting Christmas and New Year plots against non-Muslims
Turkey arrested 115 suspected ISIS members, thwarting Christmas and New Year plots against non-Muslims

Turkey has been relatively successful in preventing attacks since 2017.

The pope that is remembered each year on December 31
The pope that is remembered each year on December 31

In many European countries, December 31, also known as New Year’s Eve, is better known as St Sylvester’s Day or simply Sylvester, named after a pope from the time of the Council of Nicaea. This is the story …