Iranian Authorities Raid Christian Gathering
 

Earlier this month, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) raided a gathering of around 80 Christians in northern Iran, confiscating Bibles and worship instruments. Christian convert Somayeh Rajabi was arrested during the raid in Gatab, Mazandaran Province, on 6 February. 

According to Article Eighteen, citing Mohabat News, at least 20 plain clothed IRGC agents carried out the raid, seizing communication devices and demanding access to personal information. Officers forcibly removed cross necklaces, injuring some attendees. Medical personnel trying to help the injured were blocked. 

Somayeh was allowed a brief phone call the next day, informing her family she had been transferred to a prison in Sari. No official charges have been announced. 

Iranian authorities frequently target Christian converts and house churches. Worship materials, including songbooks, have been used as evidence of "illegal Christian activities." The UN has condemned Iran’s criminalisation of normal Christian practices, including prayer gatherings and even picnics. 
 
Prayer Points:

▪ Pray for Somayeh’s release and protection for Iranian Christians. 

▪ Pray for religious freedom in Iran and an end to persecution.