Mahmood Matin-Azad Photo from Compass Direct

Thirteen of those arrested were released in the following days but two believers, Mahmood Matin-Azad (52) and Arash Basirat (44), remain detained in a secret local police centre. On June 24, Matin-Azad's wife was able to visit her husband under close watch from authorities. Matin told her that authorities were "pushing" him to say that he was connected to a church outside the country which paid his salary. He refused to do so, however, and maintained that he was supporting his own ministry. It was the first and only contact that a family member has had with him since his arrest.

The released believers are under house arrest and authorities have called them in several times to question them about their alleged political activity and Christian faith. Officials have informed them that there is an ongoing case against them but have not told them of the specific charges. The nature of the questioning, however, suggests that they are suspected of apostasy and crimes against the government.

Pray that no charges will be brought against these believers. Pray that the two detained believers will be released. Pray that Iran's government will uphold the rights of Christians to worship God freely.

For more information on the persecution of Christians in Iran, go to the Iran Country Report.