Persecution of Christians in Iran increasing, detentions surge

TEHRAN — In a collaborative effort with various Christian organizations, human rights watchdog Article 18 unveiled its annual report highlighting the plight of Christians in Iran, exposing a disturbing surge in detentions linked to religious beliefs and peaceful activities, with a notable emphasis on possession of the Holy Bible.

The comprehensive report, compiled in partnership with international entities like Middle East Concern, Open Doors, and International Christian Solidarity, underscored a sharp increase in Christian detentions, reaching 166 individuals in the past year alone, marking a doubling from the preceding year.

Notably, over a third of these detentions were attributed to the mere possession of the Holy Bible.

Chronicling decades of persecution, the report lamented the systematic closure of Persian-speaking churches by the Iranian regime, alongside targeted attacks on house churches and Christian residences.

Christian citizens, the report elucidated, are arbitrarily detained under ambiguous charges such as propaganda against the regime and actions deemed harmful to national security, often without concrete evidence or documentation.

Concluding the report, these organizations issued a fervent call to the Iranian regime to release all Christian prisoners, restore confiscated properties, and collaborate with UN Special Rapporteurs on Human Rights and Fact-Finding Commissions to address ongoing human rights violations.

The report called on the international community was urged to hold the Iranian regime accountable for its failure to uphold international obligations, as stipulated by established legal frameworks.