Evangelicals arrested in Iran

The fate of several Evangelical Christians is still unknown after a series of arrests over Christmas in Iran. In the early hours of Christmas day the Iranian government arrested 25 Christians. 50 other Christians have also been detained but it is unclear as yet what the full details are surrounding their cases.

They include pastors and leaders from within the house church networks of Iran. Of the 25 detained, 11 have been released.

This was the second year running that security services in Iran had targeted Christians over the Christmas period. Evangelicals are quite often arrested in Iran, according to Fleur. Christian Solidarity Worldwide's Middle East and North Africa Advocacy Officer.

“The Evangelicals are mostly converts, they were former Shia Muslims,” she told Vatican Radio.

“They might be put on charges of apostasy…and you can face the death penalty if you are a male for conversion,” she explained.

Fleur also said Evangelicals are also often charged with crimes against the state and espionage.

“There is a real suspicion against them, that they are some sort of heretical sect,” she said.

“They are Evangelical Christians…and part of the world-wide Church. That’s why we really must stand in solidarity with them…and really hold Iran to account and say if any out number suffer, we suffer with them.”

Listen to the full interview by Charles Collins with Fleur: