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Iranian Pastor Tortured, Threatened for 'Converting Muslims'Rev. Wilson Issavi was arrested on 02 February after finishing a house meeting at a friend's home in Isfahan and accused of "converting Muslims". He is a 65 year-old Assyrian pastor aged 65. Wilson was imprisoned and then tortured and threatened with execution. He contracted a life-threatening infection as a result of the filthy conditions in his cell. He was brought to hospital but is still dealing with the lingering effects of the infection. He was released from prison on bail at end of March and is awaiting trial. Although this is a positive update, continued prayers are needed. The joy of Wilson's family at his release is tinged with fear as they wait in agony for the possibility of him being killed by Islamic extremists, as is common in Iran when Christians are detained for religious reasons and then released. "Sometimes they release you just to kill you," an anonymous Christian source said. Compass News reports that Iranian authorities have set up a video camera outside Wilson's church to monitor anyone going in or out of the building. According to the pastor's friend, low-key ethnic Christians, such as the Assyrians, are largely unbothered but active Christians are treated differently. "When you start evangelizing, then you are in real trouble." Arrests taking place over the last month seem to be part of an anti-Christian sweep in Isfahan, particularly targeting Christian leaders. One regional analyst, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the Iranian government is set on crushing religious freedom within the country. "The recent spate of church leader arrests provides clear evidence of the Iranian authorities' desperate determination to strangle the growing church movement, along with all other forms of perceived political dissent," he said. On 28 February, Isfahan resident Hamid Shafiee and his wife Reyhaneh Aghajary, both converts from Islam and house church leaders, were arrested at their home. Police handcuffed, beat and pepper-sprayed Reyhaneh and then took her to prison. Her husband Hamid, who was away from the house when police arrived, was arrested an hour later when he returned to the house. Approximately 20 police officers raided the home, seizing Bibles, CDs, photographs, computers, telephones, personal items and other literature. The couple is still being held. Other details about their detainment are unknown. Join in prayer that lord will:Work mightily in the area of Isfahan, and strengthen the Christians and church leaders there. |
