The Wave of Suppression of Religious Minorities: Christian Converts in Nishapur and Young Baha'is in Shiraz Arrested

19/07/2022
Pressure on followers of religions other than Islam has intensified in Iran in recent days, with reports indicating the arrest of several individuals in various cities. The human rights news agency HRANA reported on Monday, July 18, that four Christian converts were arrested in Nishapur. According to the Christian news site Mohabat News, these individuals were detained by IRGC intelligence agents on Sunday, June 26, during a house church gathering.

When the agents arrived, 16 people were present in the house church. Twelve of them were released the same day after being interrogated and signing commitments, while four others remain in custody. Three of the detainees have informed their families by phone that they have been issued two-month detention orders.

One of the detainees has been identified as Reza Radmanesh, a 65-year-old Tehran native and resident of Nishapur. According to HRANA, Radmanesh, who is suffering from cancer and requires medical care, has not been heard from since his arrest.

It has also been reported that agents have threatened those who attempt to follow up on the situation of these prisoners with arrest.