Following the arrests of Christians in Iran clearly shows that in recent years, Iranian government authorities have targeted the Christian community for suppression. Reports indicate that from May to August 2016, 79 Christian citizens were arrested and a large number of them were interrogated and sent to prison. It is believed that many arrests have not been reported and the actual number of Christians detained by authorities could be much higher.

Iran is home to a declining population of indigenous Armenian and Assyrian Christians. These Christians are officially recognized and allowed to practice their religion in their own language and choose a representative in parliament; however, the use of the Persian language in churches and the promotion of Christianity is prohibited.

However, in recent years, many Iranians have shown a tendency towards Christianity. The conversion of these individuals usually indicates their dissatisfaction with their own religion and their exposure to Christianity and the Bible through satellite or acquaintances; forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ and a new life through his guidance.

This is while legally, Nokishan Christians are not recognized in Iran and they may be considered apostates from Islam. In a country where Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (related to freedom of religion and belief) is constantly violated, these Nokishan Christians are subjected to harassment and persecution by the government at various levels.

For Christians, coming together to pray, give thanks to God, and read the Gospel is essential. However, since the Iranian government closed the doors of churches to Persian speakers in 2012, they are forced to gather in informal groups called “house churches”. These groups are particularly vulnerable and often face attacks from the police. In August 2016 alone, four house churches were raided by security forces and their members were arrested and interrogated.

Most security officers force detainees to sign a certificate stating that they will not attend home churches again; a certificate that violates their religious freedom.

Even when Christians gather together for a social – not religious – matter, they are monitored by authorities. At a wedding party in June, an Iranian church leader and three visitors from Azerbaijan were arrested and are still in detention. In August, intelligence agents raided a fishing trip in Firuzkuh and, without any arrest warrant, detained five individuals who are still in custody. It remains to be seen what charges will be brought against them; it seems the only “charge” is that four of them are “new Christians.”

When they realize that someone is creating or facilitating Christian meetings in home churches, they pressure them to leave the country. Generally, these pressures are deliberately inflicted by officials through harassment and persecution. This can take the form of summoning them to security offices to answer questions, confiscating documents such as identification cards to prevent victims from buying or selling property, cars, etc., and forcing victims to leave their jobs. Two spouses of those who were arrested for fishing in Firuzkuh have now been fired from their jobs at the order of intelligence authorities. Often, arrested house church leaders are accused of crimes related to promoting Christianity and acting against national security, and in order to be released from prison, they must provide bail – which is often a document – even if their migration is facilitated by officials. Of course, if the accused does not appear in court, this bail is confiscated; even if their migration is facilitated by officials.

It is unclear why Iranian authorities are currently investing time and energy in restricting the freedoms of Christians, arresting and imprisoning them, confiscating their properties through bail and deporting them from the country. If the new Iranian Christians are properly educated in their new religion, they should be aware, according to the commandments of the Bible, to be good citizens, to support the government and to seek positive changes where they see wrongdoing and injustice.

What does the Iranian regime see in Christians, especially the new Christians, that it fears and considers them a threat, and treats them with such intensity and injustice?