Secret arrests, forced confessions, and the shadow of execution over Iranian Christians

Shocking revelations about secret detentions and executions of Christians and protesters have sparked a new wave of intense concern about the situation of the Iranian people.

While the world's eyes are fixed on developments in Iran, a new report by Human Rights Watch today, Tuesday, February 24, reveals the worrying dimensions of the repression following the January protests; a repression that has not only not subsided, but, according to the organization, has entered a more covert and dangerous phase: "mass arrests, enforced disappearances, and the holding of thousands of people in unofficial detention centers."

According to the report, security forces continue to pursue and detain those who are real or perceived dissidents, ranging from students and journalists to lawyers, doctors, environmental activists, and members of religious minorities, including Christians and Baha'is.

The report states: “Security and intelligence forces have continued to detain real or perceived opponents. Targeted individuals include protesters, lawyers, medical workers and professionals, human rights defenders, students, athletes, journalists, political activists, environmental activists, and members of ethnic and religious minorities, including Christians and Baha’is.”

Amid the wave of arrests, Christians, especially those who converted from Islam, have once again been targeted by security forces. Among these citizens, we can mention "Ghazel Marzban", a Christian citizen and civil activist, who was arrested at midnight on January 15, 1404, when security agents raided her home and transferred her to the Ministry of Intelligence detention center.

Reports also indicate the arrest of other Christian citizens in the cities of Tehran, Rasht, Shiraz, and Karaj, details of which cannot be released due to security concerns. Christian sources say the families of these individuals are under pressure to withhold any information.

According to statistics compiled by Christian human rights organizations, at least 19 Christian citizens have lost their lives during the protests. Among the names published are “Zahra Arjomandi,” “Nader Mohammadi,” “Mohsen Rashidi,” “Ehsan Afsharimanesh,” and “Ajmin Masihi,” an Armenian citizen. The list is still being completed, and it is feared that the actual number of Christian victims is higher.

The Human Rights Watch report emphasizes that the authorities refuse to provide any information about the whereabouts and condition of the detainees, an action that constitutes "enforced disappearance" under international law.

Many families have been left stranded for weeks and months searching for news of their loved ones. Some have only received a brief call informing them of the death of their child or spouse, without being allowed to collect the body or hold a mourning ceremony.

At the same time, state media continues to broadcast confessions from detainees, which human rights activists say are the result of torture and psychological pressure. The history of broadcasting such confessions in recent years has been repeatedly criticized by international organizations.

Concerns about the issuance and execution of death sentences are also growing. Officials have repeatedly called protesters “criminals” and “mohareb,” a jurisprudential term meaning someone who “fights with God” and punishable by death. Human rights experts warn that the widespread use of this title could pave the way for a wave of summary and even secret executions.

Amnesty International has also announced that children are among at least 30 people facing the risk of the death penalty, an issue that has sparked widespread international reactions.

During the protests in January 2025, there were reports of dozens of students and teachers being killed or arrested. The security environment in schools and pressure on families to remain silent have heightened concerns.

UNICEF also issued an official statement, saying: "UNICEF is deeply concerned by reports that children detained in connection with the Iranian protests remain in prison." This stance shows that the crisis has transcended domestic borders and become a global concern.

Human Rights Watch has called on UN member states to press for the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained people, the fate of those who have disappeared, and a halt to executions. It has also called for the UN fact-finding mission to have unhindered access to prisons, detention centers, hospitals, and even cemeteries.

As the repression continues, protests are taking place sporadically at some universities. Students are trying to keep the silenced voices of the streets alive by holding historical symbols and chanting protest slogans, a movement that is sometimes accompanied by symbolic manifestations such as the "dance of mourning."

What is happening in Iran today is not just a political crisis, but a moral test for the international community, and especially for defenders of freedom of religion and conscience. Silence in the face of secret detentions, enforced disappearances, and threats of execution would mean turning a blind eye to the suffering of thousands of families, including Christian families.