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Persecution News - Iran

Iran Profile

Total Area:
1,648,000 sq. km

Population:
65,875,223 (July 2008 est.)

Ethnicity:
Persian 51%, Azeri 24%, Gilaki and Mazandarani 8%, Kurd 7%, Arab 3%, Lur 2%, Baloch 2%, Turkmen 2%, other 1%

Language:
Persian and Persian dialects 58%, Turkic and Turkic dialects 26%, Kurdish 9%, Luri 2%, Balochi 1%, Arabic 1%, Turkish 1%, Other 2%

Religion:
Muslim 98% (Shi'a 89%, Sunni 9%), other (includes Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian, and Baha'i) 2%

Government Type:
Theocratic Republic

Capital:
Tehran

Population Below Poverty Line:
18% (2007)

Country Reports

Christians arrested in Tehran

January 28, 2009

Jamal Ghalishorani and Nadereh Jamali
Photos from Compass Direct

Three Christians were arrested in Iran's capital city of Tehran on January 21, according to a January 23 report from Compass Direct. At approximately 7:00 a.m., officials apprehended Hamik Khachikian, an Armenian Christian, as well as Jamal Ghalishorani (49) and his wife, Nadereh Jamali, who are converts to Christianity from Islam. Books and computers were confiscated from the believers' homes. At last report, the location of the three Christians and the charges placed against them had not been disclosed. According to local sources, pressure against Christians has increased in recent months, resulting in the detention of approximately 50 believers across the country.

Pray for the release of these Christians. Pray that they will come into a deeper relationship with Christ as they embrace the fellowship of His sufferings (Philippians 3:7-10). Ask God to strengthen and encourage their families during this difficult time.

Learn more about how Christians are persecuted in Iran by visiting the Iran Country Report. The feature article in the February edition of VOMC's monthly newsletter focuses on the persecution of Christians in Iran. Click here to subscribe.