19 Christians Killed in Anti-Regime Protest
What if freedom wasn’t free? Would you still cling to your faith? Would you stand for Jesus if it meant persecution? Death?
In Iran, just one of many countries around the world, being a Christ-follower comes with a cost—sometimes, it might even cost you your life.
Located in West Asia, Iran, officially known as the Islamic Republic of Iran (Persia), authorities restrict religious freedom and impose arrests, especially for Christians. According to the Christian Post, “Iran’s authorities systematically restrict religious freedom and impose arrests, lengthy prison terms and harsh treatment on Christians, especially Muslim-background converts, viewing their faith activities as a threat to state security.”
While this persecution has been going on for centuries, recent deaths have caused alarm and concern. Recently, Iran’s security forces killed at least 19 Christians during a crackdown on anti-government protests. Article 18, a UK-based organization that reports religious freedom, noted that “Nader Mohammadi, 35, and Zahra Arjomandi, 51, were shot on Jan. 8 during separate protest gatherings roughly 1,000 miles apart.”
Mohammadi had left his family to travel for work and was found mutilated on January 11th, while Arjomandi was separated from her son during a communications blackout. Her son found her wounded body much later and took her to a hospital, where she died.
Prior to these two cases, some Iranian Christians were sentenced to 50+ combined years in prison after hosting prayer gatherings, baptisms, and sharing the Gospel. According to the Christian Post, “Abolqasem Salavati issued 10-year terms to four defendants and an eight-year sentence to another, while one woman received two extra years linked to social media activity. Authorities accused the group of collusion and propaganda against the state, delayed formal notice of the verdicts by weeks after the hearings, and allowed only 20 days for appeals before the same court.”
As death tolls rise, eyewitnesses note that the violence has been out of control. From live ammunition to pellet fire, beatings, and arrests, those living out their faith in these countries need support and help (The Guardian). We might live across the world, but our brothers and sisters in Christ need our prayers, intercession, and aid.
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Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Sir Francis Canker Photography
Originally published February 17, 2026.
