ISTANBUL, Turkey (Morning Star News) – A convert from Islam in Iran sentenced to serve almost four years in prison for Christian activities has gone on a hunger strike to protest the government’s refusal to grant his request for release, religious freedom advocates said. Vahid Hakkani began his hunger strike on March 20 after authorities denied […]
Christian Prisoner in Iran Protests Harsh Treatment with Hunger Strike
Convert from Islam, others imprisoned for practicing their faith.
April 2, 2014 By -
Anti-Christian Violence Detailed in Hearing Calling for Filling of Religious Freedom Post
Author calls Orissa violence worst pogrom against Christians of 21st century.
February 11, 2014 By -
LOS ANGELES, February 11, 2014 (Morning Star News) – The worst anti-Christian pogrom of the 21st century has come not from Islamic extremists but from Hindu nationalists in India, an expert told a hearing in which U.S. President Barack Obama was challenged to quickly fill a key religious freedom post. John L. Allen, Jr., author […]
Iran’s Mix of ‘Token Gestures’ and Arrests May Indicate Internal Disputes
Crackdown continues even as other Christian prisoners are released.
February 3, 2014 By -
CAIRO, Egypt (Morning Star News) – Iran’s goodwill gestures and the release from prison of some Christians even as authorities make new arrests could indicate infighting between the new president and Islamist hard-liners, analysts said. Hassan Rouhani began duties as president of Iran last August on a platform of pragmatic moderation. At Christmas, frequently a season […]
Morning Star News’ Top 10 Persecution Stories of 2013
In Nigeria, terrorists weren’t the only ones terrorizing Christians.
January 10, 2014 By -
(Morning Star News) – Last year Egypt saw its greatest level of attacks on Christians; more Christians were killed in Syria’s civil war than anywhere else; and an Islamist rebel take-over in the Central African Republic brought new atrocities to the historically unstable country. But where political instability and civil war were not contributing factors, […]
U.S.-Iran Relations and the Hope of Iranian Christians
Worldly might darkens the human rights landscape.
December 12, 2013 By -
(Morning Star News) – The lament that human rights was not on the agenda when the United States and Iran recently met in Geneva for historic talks was right and proper. It must be understood, however, that for Iran, the issue of religious liberty (as defined by the West) is simply not negotiable. The regime […]
Hope Dims for Religious Rights in Iran with Sanctions Deal
Leverage could be lost, rights advocates say.
November 30, 2013 By -
CAIRO (Morning Star News) – As Western powers prepare to ease economic sanctions against Iran in support of a new nuclear non-proliferation treaty, human rights activists say leverage for winning freedom for prisoners of faith may about to be lost. A human rights advocate and researcher who monitors Iran for Christian Solidarity Worldwide said his colleagues […]
Convert from Islam Flees Iranian Authorities’ Torture, Threats
Christian goes into hiding after secret police learn of his activities.
November 22, 2013 By -
ISTANBUL (Morning Star News) – The young woman in Tehran, Iran who introduced her boyfriend to Jesus hasn’t seen him since he fled the city, but his dreams give her hope that he is well. The Iranian woman has heard that since Armin Davoodi fled authorities who threatened him with death for proclaiming Christ earlier this […]
Iranian President’s Words Require Action, Religious Rights Advocates Say
Wife of imprisoned U.S.-Iranian pastor gives letter to new president’s entourage.
September 27, 2013 By -
CAIRO, Egypt, Sept. 27, 2013 (Morning Star News) – After a week in which the new president of Iran skirted religious rights issues even as he received a letter from an imprisoned pastor, religious rights advocates hoped action would accompany the “moderate” face he presented. The day before Hassan Rouhani addressed the U.N. General Assembly, […]
U.S.-Iranian Pastor’s Prison Term Upheld amid Crackdown on Christians in Iran
Another convert from Islam sentenced to 10 years behind bars.
August 27, 2013 By -
LOS ANGELES (Morning Star News) – Harsh treatment of Christians before the June 15 election of Iran’s new president has continued since Hassan Rouhani took office on Aug. 3, including the upholding yesterday of pastor Saeed Abedini’s eight-year prison sentence. International calls for the release of the U.S-Iranian pastor, convicted of threatening “national security” by practicing […]
Eight Christians in Iran Sent to Prison for Threatening ‘National Security’
Convictions typical of those in country who leave Islam.
July 19, 2013 By -
ISTANBUL (Morning Star News) – Eight Iranian Christians received heavy jail sentences on Tuesday (July 16) after being found guilty of “action against the national security” and “propaganda against the system” – charges typically leveled against Muslim converts to Christianity in Iran. Advocacy group Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reported that the eight members of the Church […]