Source: Article18, Christian Daily International, Iran Human Rights Monitor
Written by: Voice of the Martyrs Canada
While Nasser Navard Gol-Tapeh was sentenced in 2017 to ten years imprisonment because of his Christian ministry, he was suddenly pardoned and released in 2022.
Similarly, Joseph Shahbazian, a house church leader who was sentenced to ten years in 2022, was released after just over a year following an appeal of his sentence.
For unknown reasons, both pastors were recently rearrested on 6 February without warning. They were apprehended in their homes and then taken back to Tehran's Evin Prison. While the motives for their arrests are unknown, according to a report from Article18, any Christian who is considered to be "unaligned" with the goals of the Islamic Republic of Iran is at risk of arrest and imprisonment on "security" charges.
As Joseph is an Iranian-Armenian pastor, and Armenian churches are considered legal, his arrest demonstrates that no Christian is safe in the country – even those who allegedly have the freedom to worship.
Pray for the health and safety of these two recently rearrested pastors.
May the reassuring presence of the Holy Spirit greatly strengthen and encourage them, as well as the many other Believers who are presently being incarcerated in Iranian prisons due to their faith.
Also prayerfully uphold their loved ones during this difficult time of separation, asking that they too would receive needed strength and encouragement from the Lord as they await the reunion of their families.
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