(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 […]
U.S.-Iran Relations and the Hope of Iranian Christians
Worldly might darkens the human rights landscape.
December 12, 2013 By - 1 Comment
Hope Dims for Religious Rights in Iran with Sanctions Deal
Leverage could be lost, rights advocates say.
November 30, 2013 By - 1 Comment
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 - 2 Comments
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 - Leave a Comment
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 - Leave a Comment
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 - Leave a Comment
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 […]
Christians Sentenced to Prison as ‘Moderate’ Comes to Power in Iran
Persecution expected to continue as long as Ayatollah Khamenei in control.
June 19, 2013 By - Leave a Comment
ISTANBUL (Morning Star News) – Six more Christians were sentenced for practicing their faith last week, while Iran’s presidential election of a moderate politician was not expected to soften the regime’s persecution of religious minorities. After eight years of the hard-line rule of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Hassan Rouhani proclaimed a “victory for moderation … not extremism,” expressed […]
Iranian Pastor Arrested, Church Closed in Tehran
Crackdown on Christians intensifies as elections near.
May 24, 2013 By - 1 Comment
ISTANBUL (Morning Star News) – Security forces this week arrested an Iranian pastor in Tehran and announced that his church was closed as a crackdown on Christians intensified ahead of June elections, sources said. Robert Asserian was arrested Tuesday (May 21) during a prayer meeting at his Central Assemblies of God Church after authorities entered his […]
Iranian Pastor Arrested as Crackdown in Iran Intensifies
Church pressured to close as elections near.
May 23, 2013 By - Leave a Comment
ISTANBUL (Morning Star News) – Security forces arrested an Iranian pastor in Tehran after raiding his house and pressuring his church to close as a crackdown on Christians intensified ahead of June elections. Robert Asserian was arrested Tuesday (May 21) during a prayer meeting at his Central Assemblies of God Church after authorities entered his house […]
Iranian-American Pastor Spends Birthday in Solitary Confinement
Family members no longer allowed to visit Saeed Abedini.
May 7, 2013 By - Leave a Comment
ISTANBUL (Morning Star News) – An Iranian-American pastor spent his 33rd birthday in solitary confinement today, suffering from untreated injuries from beatings by prisoners and officials in an Iranian prison. Saeed Abedini has spent six months in Tehran’s harsh Evin Prison, known for housing political dissidents and government protestors, where he is serving an eight-year sentence […]