Iranian Pastor Assaulted by Authorities, Returned to Prison

Carrie Dedrick | Updated: Jun 27, 2014

Iranian Pastor Assaulted by Authorities, Returned to Prison

An Iranian pastor was beaten by police officers and returned to prison for alleged crimes against the nation reports Christian Today

Pastor Behnam Irani was assaulted by Ministry of Intelligence and National Security (VEVAK) officers on June 7 and taken to an unknown location. The pastor, a leader in the Church of Iran, has now been returned to prison, but his safety remains a concern. 

Irani objected to an irregular court summons by Judge Mohammad Yari, prompting guards to beat him. After days of unknown whereabouts, he has been sent back to Ghezal Hesar Prison, an establishment which treated the pastor with cruelty in the past. 

Mervyn Thomas, chief executive of human rights group Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) said, "While we are pleased to hear that Pastor Irani's whereabouts are now known, CSW is appalled by his treatment by VEVAK officers during his enforced disappearance, and at the additional charge that is clearly aimed at extending his prison term. The political charges against him are without basis, as in reality he is being detained on account of his choice of faith."

Publication date: June 27, 2014



Iranian Pastor Assaulted by Authorities, Returned to Prison