Seizure of Assemblies of God Church in Gorgan and Its Sale by the Islamic Republic Government
The only Assemblies of God church in the city of Gorgan has been put up for sale by the Islamic Republic government.
After selling off Iran’s wealth, the Islamic Republic government has also placed schools built by philanthropists on a list for monetization and sale. Schools that were privately owned and not under state ownership, as well as houses in the historic fabric of Shiraz, it demolished for other purposes; the Islamic Republic regime has considered people’s property as its own property and sells them off to cover the country’s budget deficit.
Now the Islamic Republic government has proceeded to sell the Assemblies of God church in Gorgan, which was built privately. The Assemblies of God church in Gorgan, which was built in 1969 (Iranian solar calendar year 1348) with an area of approximately 500 square meters, belongs to Armenian citizens. The land for this church was donated by Mrs. “Rebekah Melkaldani” for its construction.
This church was formally part of seven Assemblies of God churches from the Protestant denomination.
Now, the Islamic Republic government, by placing a banner from the State Property and Real Estate Organization (with reference to an unspecified foundation), has undertaken an exceptional sale with special conditions and facilities for this church, which is half a century old. The sale of properties seized by the government and put up for sale. The commission of these heinous acts by the usurping regime brings curses upon the country of Iran.
A church with an area of 500 square meters that could have become a tourist attraction in Gorgan city with restoration and renovation, is now being looted by the Islamic Republic regime through its sale.
The Islamic Republic government spares no effort in plundering Iran’s wealth and people’s property. Especially the property of minority individuals living in Iran. The government not only subjects these individuals (Bahá’ís and Christians) to various pressures but also seizes their property through threats and intimidation.
This church is also private property belonging to Armenians, but is now being put up for sale as state property.
Will people, especially Christians, protest this government action in order to prevent the sale of a property that does not belong to the government and is half a century old, or will they remain silent and allow government agents to continue their crimes and plunder?
