Widespread Arrest of Christian Citizens: Security Accusations or Religious Repression?
A statement from the Ministry of Intelligence reports increased arrests of Christian citizens on security charges.
Following the recent conflict and mounting pressures, the Ministry of Intelligence announced the arrest of 53 Christian citizens. Human rights lawyers describe this action as baseless, illegal, and based on suppression of religious beliefs.
The Ministry of Intelligence stated in an announcement that dozens of citizens, including 53 Christian citizens, have been arrested on charges of connection with “Zionist missionary activities.” These individuals have been accused of anti-security activities and collaboration with foreign entities.
The statement reads: “While history attests that Iranian Christians have always maintained the best coexistence with their Muslim compatriots, remained loyal supporters of dear Iran, and sacrificed numerous martyrs in defense of the nation, the Zionist regime targeted this sacred accord. A branch of Mossad agents, under the guise of what is called Zionist Christian missionary work, connected to the Salvation Church in Seattle, America, and the Flourishing Church in occupied territories, engaged in various counter-security activities during that period. In this regard, with full identification and arrest of 53 elements trained abroad and inspection of their organizational premises and discovery of weapons quantities, the operations of these organizations were also neutralized.”
“Hossein Ahmadi-Neyas,” a human rights lawyer, in response to the Ministry of Intelligence statement, described the aforementioned charges as lacking any legal foundation and emphasized that Christian citizens have always followed peaceful methods. According to him, the security apparatus of the Islamic Republic, taking advantage of the recent conflict atmosphere, is pursuing projection and more severe suppression.
Furthermore, according to reports published by sources close to those arrested in 19 cities, the confiscated property mainly consists of Bibles and personal belongings. These arrests occurred while many of these individuals have been denied access to lawyers and are subjected to threats, harsh interrogations, and serious charges.
Legal experts have also warned regarding the arrest of these citizens that the new law related to punishment of spies, with vague and non-transparent definitions, has opened the way for further suppression of religious activists. They have called for oversight by independent international bodies over the legal proceedings of these individuals.
