Iran Sentences 18 Christians to Prison for Faith in Christianity Crackdown

Iranian authorities have reportedly arrested 18 Christian converts according to the nation’s new regulations against Christianity. 

The Christians received a combined sentence of 24 years in prison. The Christian Post reports that the number of years each individual was sentenced to serve was unknown due to a lack of clarity in Iran’s judicial system. 

According to Iran’s new policies, evangelism, propaganda against the regime and creating house churches are against the law. 

Saba Farzan of the Foreign Policy Circle think tank said, "The cruelty of Iran's dictatorial leaders knows no limits.” 

Iran is known for its persecution against Christians. Open Doors ranked the country number seven on its World Watch List of nations last year. 

According to Open Doors, "In 2014, at least 75 Christians were arrested. More Christians were sentenced to prison and pressure on those detained increased, including physical and mental abuse."

Publication date: June 4, 2015