Prison in Pakistan is not fun

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that a mentally disabled Christian convicted of committing blasphemy was severely beaten in jail by his fellow prisoners for praying in front of them on June 22, 2018.

Yaqoob Bashir, age 25, was accused by a Muslim cleric, Talib Hussain, of burning pages of a booklet carrying Quranic verses in Mirpurkhas, located in Pakistan’s Sindh Province, on June 4, 2015. He was then arrested under Section 295 - B of Pakistan’s Penal Code, commonly referred to as blasphemy laws.

While speaking with ICC, Ranjha Masih, a local human rights defender, said, “Bashir was set to have a hearing in court on June 23 and before appearing, the young Christian wanted to pray at night. However, the prisoners with him did not allow him to pray in front of them. When Bashir continued, four of them got annoyed and beat him very badly. He sustained injuries to his face, eyes, chin, and head.”

When Bashir appeared before the court on June 23, his shirt and face were covered in dried blood. This got the attention of the Justice Javaid Iqbal of the Session Court of Mirpurkhas. When asked, Bashir explained what happened the previous night. Justice Iqbal then issued orders for Bashir to be moved to a separate cell and for the other prisoners to appear before court to testify about the incident.

“It is sad to hear that Christians are not secure even in police custody,” Bishop Samson Shukardin, Bishop of the Hyderabad Diocese, told ICC. “It is the duty of the state to ensure the protection of all citizens. If a young Christian is facing violence and torture in jail, then one can only imagine the new heights of persecution.”

“At this stage, I am worried for his life,” Bishop Shukardin continued. “Allowing an attack on a mentally disabled prisoner shows that the prison authorities are not sincerely trying to protect the citizens nor does the government have a clear policy to curb extremist movements.”

ICC’s Regional Manager, William Stark, said, “ICC is deeply concerned for the safety of Yaqoob as he continues to fight for his freedom in Pakistan. It is very disturbing to see that prison authorities would allow fellow prisoners to attack and severely injure Yaqoob for merely exercising his religious freedom rights. ICC also applauds the actions of Justice Iqbal for quickly shifting Yaqoob to a safer cell and for confronting his assailants. Hopefully justice will be done on Yaqoob’s behalf.”

For interviews with William Stark, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

Source:  International Christian Concern (ICC) - www.persecution.org. 

Zanzibar, what are you doing?

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that the Pentecostal Evangelistic Fellowship of Africa (PEFA) Church in Zanzibar remains closed for the eighth week after the surrounding Muslim community alleged that the church’s services were too loud. Based on a complaint from a sheikh from a nearby mosque, the PEFA church pastor was also arrested by plainclothes policemen while delivering a Sunday message on May 6, 2018.

“I was aware of complaints filled by Sheikh Mohamud Noor, but I did not expect the District Commissioner to order my arrest and close the church,” Bishop Daniel Kwilemba Kwiyeya told ICC. “They did a shameful thing to our congregation and to all the Christians in Zanzibar even after pleading with them to wait for about 15 minutes so I could end the sermon.”

A member of PEFA recorded the incident on a mobile phone and stressed the fact that the police were unnecessarily aggressive. “It was harrowing and barbaric to storm the church service, pull our pastor away, and bundle him into the police car,” the PEFA member said. “Our efforts to stop the arrest were futile because the policemen were rude and unreasonable. They were acting on very strict orders from above.”

Following the incident, Bishop Kwilemba is worried about other threats made against his church and other Christians in Zanzibar. “The violation of our rights as Christians in Zanzibar has been continuing unabated and this has resulted to high level of persecution,” Bishop Kwilemba shared. “The reasons given for harassment against pastors and attacks on church buildings are untenable and of ill motives.”

“We are very disappointed that the authorities are giving the privilege to Muslims who use their loudspeakers three times daily,” Bishop Kwilemba said. “We feel neglected and deprived, but we know that God is on our side. For close to two months now, the police have kept the church locked and have threatened to arrest any member that comes near the church. The tension is increasing, but we are not backing off.”

Over the last five years, Christian persecution has intensified on the semi-autonomous, Muslim-dominated island of Zanzibar in Tanzania. Attacks on Christians include the burning of churches, attacks on pastors, the destruction of pastors’ homes, and the rape and forced conversion of young Christian girls. According to local Christians, authorities have either been unable or unwilling to respond to these attacks, leading to an atmosphere of impunity surrounding attacks on the Christian minority.

William Stark, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “ICC strongly condemns the closing of the Pentecostal Evangelistic Fellowship of Africa Church in Zanzibar. This incident and the threats against church members are another example of how local authorities are biased against Christians and their places of worship. The Pentecostal Evangelistic Fellowship of Africa Church must be reopened immediately so that these Christians can enjoy their right to religious freedom. Also, authorities must take the necessary steps to change the culture of impunity that surrounds attacks on Christians and their places of worship.”

For interviews with William Stark, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

Source:  International Christian Concern - www.persecution.org.

 

Fulani militants destroy another village in Nigeria

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that Fulani militants attacked Jiri village, a small farming community of approximately 350 people, on Wednesday, June 20, 2018. During the attack, they destroyed the farms and homes of local farmers. Additionally, reports indicate that the militants broke into several churches and destroyed pews, instruments, and other church property.

Monday Chiku, a local community leader, was one of those who witnessed the attack. He reported to ICC, “I was at home at about 1:20 p.m. They came suddenly, shooting from a distance then moved close to our homes… We fled into the bush. They went on to set the houses on fire, killed our domestic animals, goats, chickens, pigs, and took some away. They destroyed our farming implements. We fled and left an old man, about 85 years old.  They took him away and we do not know whether he is dead or alive. They looted churches, damaged and burnt some items. We have three churches in the village – Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Catholic, and Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN).”

Fulani militants have attacked this region many times prior to this incident. The attackers were able to flee after destroying the village as they have every time before. This is because the Nigerian government and military have proven themselves incapable of protecting even those who are attacked time and time again. Chiku continued, “When soldiers came to confront the militia, they couldn’t contain them and retreated because of the herdsmen’s superior fire power.”

Dauda Ishaya, another eyewitness, said, “The next day we went to rescue the old man we left in the village, but we were chased away by the attackers. We are now IDPs in Miango, wherever any of us found shelter. The number of family houses burnt are about 47. The churches in Jiri are Catholic, ECWA, and COCIN. They broke into the churches and damaged items, some they gathered and set fire on them… The attackers approached from the direction of Badurun, a village in Chawai chiefdom. There are Fulanis that live around there.”

ICC’s Regional Manager for Africa, Nathan Johnson, stated, “It is sad to see yet another attack on a Christian farming village. It is long past time that the Nigerian government steps up to protect all of its citizens equally. They must stop favoring those who are committing these atrocities and hold them accountable for their despicable actions.”

For interviews with Nathan Johnson, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

Source:  International Christian Concern (ICC) - www.persecution.org. 

Nine years since arrest of Asia Bibi

Today, June 19, 2018, International Christian Concern (ICC) marks the ninth anniversary of the arrest of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death for allegedly committing blasphemy in Pakistan. The case against Bibi remains the highest profile blasphemy case in Pakistan and has claimed the lives of several prominent Pakistani politicians.

In 2009, Bibi was accused of blasphemy following a dispute between herself and a group of Muslim co-workers harvesting berries in Sheikhupura. An argument broke out when Bibi drank from the same water basin as her Muslim co-workers, because she was a Christian and considered by the Muslim women to be unclean. A few days later, it was reported to a local cleric that Bibi had blasphemed against Islam by saying, “My Christ died for me, what did Muhammad do for you?”

Since her arrest, Bibi’s case has become symbolic of the persecution facing Pakistani Christians and the widespread abuse of the country’s blasphemy laws. Bibi was convicted and sentenced to death on blasphemy charges in November 2010 by the Session’s Court in District Nankana, Punjab.

Months later, the governor of Punjab, Salman Taseer, visited Bibi in prison. Upon leaving the jail, he made a statement that the blasphemy laws had been misused in her case. Within days, he was murdered by his bodyguard, Mumtaz Qadri, who had been convinced by radicals that this was an attack on Islam.

Two months after this murder, in March 2011, the Federal Minister of Minorities’ Affairs, Shahbaz Bhatti—the only Christian in the Pakistani cabinet—criticized the country’s blasphemy laws, noting that they are easily manipulated. In Islamabad, shortly after the statement was made, an attacker sprayed his car with bullets. Police found a letter at the crime scene from the Tehrik-e-Taliban claiming responsibility for the murder, adding that Bhatti was killed for opposing Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.

In October 2014, Bibi’s appeal hearing was held in the High Court of Lahore. At that appeal, Justice Anwar-ul-Haq, one member of a two-judge bench, passed a short order on October 16, 2014, confirming Bibi’s death sentence. On July 22, 2015, the Supreme Court of Pakistan accepted Bibi’s petition for her case to be reviewed and suspended her death sentence.

On October 13, 2016, the Supreme Court of Pakistan indefinitely adjourned Bibi’s appeal after one of the three Supreme Court Justices hearing the case decided to recuse himself. Justice Rahman recused himself from the case, stating, “I was part of the bench that was hearing the case of Salman Taseer and this case is related.” Since then, Bibi’s final appeal has yet to be rescheduled by the Supreme Court.

William Stark, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “It is disappointing to see Bibi mark her ninth year in prison. It has been nine long years since Asia had this false blasphemy accusation completely change her life. We here at ICC are hopeful that the Supreme Court will hear this final appeal at the soonest possible date. It is ICC’s hope that when the appeal is heard, the Supreme Court will resist outside pressure from extremists and decide Asia’s case on the merits. If decided on the merits, we believe that the court’s only conclusion will be to acquit. We also hope that the Supreme Court’s decision will lay a foundation for reforming Pakistan’s notorious blasphemy laws. This will be a signal to both Pakistan and the world that justice will prevail over extremism, even when a religious minority is accused of blasphemy.”

For interviews with William Stark, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

Source:  International Christian Concern (ICC) - www.persecution.org. 

Eritrea: One of the worst prisons in the world

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that Pastor Oqbamichel Haiminot has been released after more than a decade of imprisonment. According to VOM Australia, Pastor Oqbamichel was the first senior pastor in Eritrea to be arrested and held after the controversial and wrongful crackdown on religion in 2002. Though he was only in jail for a short period after his initial arrest in 2003, he was constantly harassed and rearrested over the next four years. In 2007, he was finally arrested and jailed for more than 10 years even though no charges were ever filed against him. 

Pastor Oqbamichel is one of hundreds of Christians in Eritrea who have been arrested and held for years due to their faith. In 2017, more than 200 Christians were arrested, yet never charged with any criminal activity. One of ICC’s sources shared, “There are only four legalized religions allowed in the country, which include Eritrean Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran, and Sunni Islam. The regime touts this as religious freedom, however, to join any of these religions, people must first make four pledges.” One must pledge to never be “born again,” that his or her loyalty is to the government, not God or the Church, to never carry a Bible outside of church or the home, and to turn in any missionaries or evangelists to the government. When you turn in a missionary or evangelist, you get paid three months’ wages.

The Eritrean government is willing to go to great lengths to arrest and eradicate Christians. According to another underground pastor in Eritrea, Abraham*, “There are false brothers among us, who gather information. [He comes] to you, believing in the name of Jesus, you baptize him, but he is a spy.” These spies are sent by the government to find those who are not part of the four legal religions, and arrest them.

Abraham experienced this government-led persecution firsthand in 2010. He shared, “In 2010, we were gathered for a meeting in Asmara, 34 or 35 together, and we were arrested and taken to the police station.” He was then moved to an underground prison where “there was no sun or light or [fresh air]. It was underground and we could only see each other when we went to the bathroom.” These jail cells keep those imprisoned in the worst conditions, with extreme temperature changes, a lack of light, no space, and often isolation. The only time they experience any freedom from their cells is once or twice a day when they are allowed to use the restroom. Abraham was held in this prison for one year.

This is the type of treatment that Pastor Oqbamichel suffered for the past decade. According to VOM, he is in need of medical assistance as his heath has deteriorated due to his treatment in prison.

Nathan Johnson, ICC’s Regional Manager for Africa, stated, “We are rejoicing for the release of a faithful man and are praying for his health and safety as he returns to a somewhat free life. We also remember the hundreds of others who are still suffering under this cruel and inhumane regime. The world must come together to end the abuse of human rights in Eritrea.”

*Name changed for security

For interviews with Nathan Johnson, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

Source:  International Christian Concern (ICC) - www.persecution.org. 

Over 150 people killed by Fulani militants in the month of May

May continued to be a month of devastation and death for Nigeria’s Middle Belt region. During the month of May, there were more than 30 attacks with more than 150 people killed. Though there were fewer deaths this month than the preceding ones, May also saw the largest single attack this year. On Saturday, May 5, Fulani militants stormed Gwaska village in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State. During this single attack, militants killed 71 people and destroyed many properties in the village.

There have also been statements made by victims of these attacks that military personnel in the region colluded with the Fulani militants prior to the attack. Prior to an attack in Numan, Adamawa State, villagers said that the military entered the village to enforce the disarmament of citizens. Shortly after this, the Fulani militants invaded the town and killed more than a dozen people. Though this may not be a sure sign of collusion, it is at least another sign of the ineptitude of the Nigerian military in protecting its people.

Below are the largest attacks that took place in May.

1. May 2, 2018: Fulani militants attacked four villages, Bang, Nyanga, Bonki, and Nzomosu, killing at least 15 and completely destroying the villages. Other sources have numbered as many as 30 dead.

2. May 5, 2018: Fulani militants attack Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State, killing 71.

3. May 14, 2018: Fulani militants kill 10 Tiv during an attack on Ilai and Ido-Gbede villages of Ijumu LGA.

Despite the massive attack and possible military collusion, there have been signs of possible change. There is more international attention on this issue than previously seen. After President Trump’s statement in April, lawmakers and politicians in the United States have started to speak out against the violence as well. Congressman Smith said, “Congress is watching the situation in Nigeria with growing concern, as the Nigerian government there appears too often to be indifferent to attacks by Fulani herdsmen on predominantly Christian farmers.” This growing concern by other nations may be the necessary catalyst for change in Nigeria.  

For interviews with Nathan Johnson, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org 

Source:  International Christian Concern (ICC) - www.persecution.org.

Arabs stab monk in Bethlehem

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on June 1, 2018, a Franciscan friar was stabbed after protecting pilgrim women from two men harassing them as they attempted to enter a church. Video footage of the incident shows that Father Fadi Shallufi was stabbed through a closed gate after he attempted to calm the situation.

According to an incident report obtained by al-Arab Newservice, “Police indicated that they ‘started the investigation after receiving a complaint from a Christian cleric from the north about the harassment of young worshipers near a church in Bethlehem, and asked young worshipers to maintain calm in the place.” 

Fides shared a statement by the spokesperson of the Catholic Bishops of the Holy Land which says that “two young men were disturbing a group of pilgrims heading towards the Milk Grotto Church, adjacent to the Basilica of the Nativity. In the face of this behavior, Father Fadi limited himself to allowing the pilgrims to quickly enter the church, and then closed the gate and thus prevented access to the two attackers.”

Father Fadi was stabbed shortly after closing the gate. Bishop Atallah Hannah published a statement saying, “We thank God that the injury was minor, but this action is a criminal act that is far from our human, moral and national values. We reject attacks against clerics.”

The Jerusalem Post added, “According to a source within the church, assaults on clergy are very rare. But this incident, he said, had crossed a redline. He couldn’t think of more than two serious incidents in the last several decades, however, he did acknowledge that during times of political crises or on religious holidays there can be harassment and tension.”

The attack on Father Fadi corresponds with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which is scheduled to end mid-June. Arab48 news reports that the two assailants have taken responsibility for the crime, but police have not released any additional details.

Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “The assault on Father Fadi and the harassment of Christians attending his church is deeply worrying. While we are grateful that no one was seriously injured during this incident, the reality is that Middle Eastern Christians constantly live in fear of such attacks. Sadly, the escalation of intimidation, harassment, and violence towards Christians is an all too common occurrence during Ramadan.”

For interviews with Claire Evans, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

Source:  International Christian Concern (ICC) - www.persecution.org.

Chinese authorities round up citizens ahead of Tiananmen anniversary

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on June 4 at 3:30 pm, local authorities raided Autumn Rain Covenant Church in Sichuan, China to summon pastor Wang Yi and preacher Li Yingqiang ahead of their scheduled prayer vigil for the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown.

Two hours later, pastor Wang Yi, his wife Jiang Rong, four preachers Li Yingqiang, Zhang Xudong, Ge Yingfeng, An Yankui, 11 other members of the church including Weng Guanghe, Liu Yingxu, Dai Zhichao, and Ran Yifei were taken away by the police.

In the process, preacher Li Yingqiang was brutally pushed against the wall, choked, and slapped multiple times by police officers. The authorities also cut the church’s electricity and placed a notice on the wall which reads, “[…] this is not an authorized place for religious gathering, […] please go to an authorized and registered religious venue to participate in religious activities.”

A source in China who wishes not to be named confirmed with ICC that, at the time of writing, the entire group is still being held by the government. Neither pastor Wang Yi nor his wife could be contacted.

June 4 marks the 29th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown in China, where an estimated several hundred to thousands of student protesters were killed by the government, with more than 10,000 people arrested during and after the protests.

According to South China Morning Post, since 2009, the Church has designated the period between May 12 and June 4 its “prayer month” to remember the natural and man-made disasters that have hit China on those two dates. May 12 was the anniversary of the devastating earthquake that struck Sichuan in 2008 while June 4 was the anniversary of the Tiananmen crackdown.

This was not the first time that Pastor Wang Yi has been targeted by the government. On May 12, he and dozens of his congregants were detained before they could hold a memorial service for the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. He has also been barred from participating in overseas Christian conferences several times in the past years. The underground church pastor is known for his resiliency and outspokenness against the government’s crackdown on Christians.

The leadership of the church sent out an urgent message yesterday, telling people that “as long as there is one body in Christ who has not returned home, we will not cease praying. May God use prayers to overturn the hearts of people in power!”

Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “Chinese Christians continue to face a growing crackdown under President Xi Jinping, especially those who refuse to submit to the government’s control. It’s shameful that three decades after the infamous Tiananmen incident, Beijing is still fearful of its people, viewing people of faith and activists as the state’s enemy. China will never be a great country unless it learns to listen and respect the rights of its citizens.”

For interviews with Gina Goh, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org 

Source:  International Christian Concern (ICC) - www.persecution.org.

Jharkand is Hindu Shark-land

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that at least 15 Christians in India’s northeastern state of Jharkhand have been falsely charged with forced conversions during the month of May. According to local Christians, this series of charges is a product of increased harassment experienced by the Christian community since Jharkhand passed the Jharkhand Freedom of Religion Act 2017.

On May 12, 11 Christians were charged under Section 4 of the Jharkhand Freedom of Religion Act 2017 after they gathered for prayer at a Christian home in Medhasai village, located in the Chaibasa District of Jharkhand. Susheela Barla, Manseed Kandulna, Sunil Horo, Jeevan Kandayaburu, Jone Suren, Mojes Gagarai, Sekindar Bading, Basanth Manji, Vijaya Thikki, Rajesh Kalkho, and Mothilal Ho were all charged of engaging in forced conversions (FIR no. 15/18) and have fled their homes fearing arrest.

On May 30, four more Christians, including two Christians youths to be married, were arrested for fraudulent conversion activities in Porker village, located in the Simdega District of Jharkhand. Rupesh Manji, age 24, and Sumanthi Kumari, age 20, were engaged to be married on May 30, but the local Sarna tribe opposed the wedding. When the young couple approached police for help, they were taken into custody and falsely charged under the Jharkhand Freedom of Religion Act 2017 (FIR no. 05/18). Two more Christians, Pastor Sudarshan Manji and Nilam Devi, were arrested along with the young couple.

“[These] anti-conversion laws, ironically titled freedom of religion laws, are actually aimed at taking away the freedom of religion and rights of tribal and other marginalized sections of the Indian society,” Rev. Vijayesh Lal, General Secretary Evangelical Fellowship of India, said in a press statement following the passage of the Jharkhand Freedom of Religion Act 2017.

Section 3 of the law states, “No person shall attempt to convert, either directly or otherwise, any person from one religious faith to another by use of force or by allurement or by any fraudulent means, nor shall any person abet any such conversion.”

Punishment under this bill includes imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of 50,000 Rupees, or both. Similar laws exist in seven other states in India and state governments have not defined the terms inducement, coercion, force, or fraud in the context of religious conversions. Due to this ambiguity, these laws are widely abused by Hindu radicals to harass and intimidate Christians while claiming to be operating under the auspices of state law.

Pastor Rajesh Bage, who serves as a pastor in Simdega District told ICC that the arrests of Christians have become more frequent since the Jharkhand Freedom of Religion Act 2017 became a law. “The latest arrests of four people in Porker village is the effect of the anti-conversion law that came into effect from last year August,” Pastor Bage told ICC.

Another Christian leader from Jharkhand, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “It is becoming more clear that the anti-conversion law was brought by the BJP to target Christians in the state. Hindu radicals are feeling empowered and enjoy a free hand to attack Christians. It is very unfortunate what is happening to Christians in Jharkhand.”

William Stark, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “We here at International Christian Concern are deeply disappointed to see Christians in Jharkhand being harassed under the auspices of state law. These Freedom of Religion Laws are widely abused by Hindu radicals due to the ambiguity within the laws themselves. These laws provide an easy excuse for radicals to attack Christian leaders with impunity. Following an assault, one simply needs to claim the pastor was forcefully converting an individual. As a result, instead of the pastor’s assailants being arrested, it’s the assailed pastor who is arrested. With attacks on Christians skyrocketing, the adoption of a law that would only incite more violence seems to be another step away from India enforcing religious freedom for all.”   

For interviews with William Stark, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

Source:  International Christian Concern (ICC) - www.persecution.org.

Why Evin prison is the worst in Iran

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that effective May 30, 2018 the U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on Evin Prison because of its reputation of grievous human rights violations.

According to the Treasury Department’s statement, “Prisoners held at Evin Prison are subject to brutal tactics inflicted by prison authorities, including sexual assaults, physical assaults, and electric shock…  senior regime officials regularly downplay the torture and abuse that occurs in Evin Prison, the abuse of prisoners, including political prisoners, continues once sham inspections into the prison conditions end.”

While the exact number of Christians imprisoned in Iran is unknown, ICC has documented at least 10 converts serving their sentences in Evin Prison. In these cases, the average prison sentence length is nine years. At least three Christians are currently released from Evin on bail, a sum which is often an insurmountable financial burden for the families.

“Christians held in Evin are subjected to physical and verbal abuse by not only the authorities but also by some other Muslim inmates. They are denied access to Bibles, phone calls and family visits. Evin Prison is run by the intelligence who behave in complete impunity. It is one of the worst places of detention in Iran, especially for those who converted from Islam,” said Mena of Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

Matias Perttula, ICC’s Advocacy Director, said, “It is essential that the United States continue to take a strong leadership role in pressuring governments like that of Iran to safeguard all essential human rights for their citizens, including religious freedom. Iran must be called to account for the wanton brutality taking place in Evin Prison as well as its wider restrictions on religious freedom.”

Dr. Mike Ansari of Heart4Iran, an Iranian Christian partnership platform, told ICC, “Most of the arrested individuals are coerced to divulge information about their house-church activities and those of their friends, under threat of criminal prosecution or arrest of family members… Therefore, the case of every arrested Iranian believer is of utmost importance and should be monitored.”

A former prisoner in Evin shared with World Watch Monitor, “If a prisoner’s case got attention, they stopped torturing or raping them because they knew the world was watching. We heard of many cases of prisoners who had no voice outside, and many things happened to them.”

Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “Iran’s Islamic regime views Christianity as a threat to national security. It is no coincidence, then, that so many Christians are imprisoned in the country’s harshest jail. The punitive posture of the regime has led to the conversion of many Iranians, which has only intensified the targeting of Christians for harassment and persecution. The physical and mental torture experienced by Christians in Evin Prison will affect them long after their sentences are over. Their plight cannot be ignored.”

For interviews with Claire Evans, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org   

Source:  International Christian Concern (ICC) - www.persecution.org.