Religious persecution and issues – Monthly Digest July 2025
Christians
Christians arrested in Iran’s post-conflict crackdown
Christiandaily – Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting studio after Israeli bombing on June 16, 2025. Avash Media, Creative Commons
At least 21 Christians have been arrested in five different cities in Iran in a crackdown on “dissent” following the end of military conflict with Israel, according to advocacy group Article18.
In the two weeks following the end of Iran-Israel bombings on June 24, Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence arrested the Christians in Tehran, Rasht, Orumiyeh, Kermanshah and Varamin, and other detentions ostensibly related to the post-conflict crackdown were continuing, according to Article 18. In addition, a Christian was arrested in Kerman just before the Israeli bombings began on June 13.
Increase in arrests and hate speech against Christians since war with Israel
Article 18 (24.07.2025) – There has been a notable increase in arrests and hate speech against Christians since the conflict with Israel, Article18 can reveal.
More Christians have been arrested in the month since the ceasefire was announced than in the six months prior, with at least 54 documented arrests since 24 June, compared to 40 between 1 January and 24 June.
On 10 July, Article18 reported that at least 21 Christians had been arrested since the ceasefire, in five different cities – Tehran, Rasht, Orumiyeh, Kermanshah and Varamin. The number of documented arrests has now more than doubled, while the number of affected cities has nearly quadrupled, with Christians also known to have been targeted in Amol, Lahijan, Shiraz, Mashhad, Garmsar, Hamedan, Miandoab, Isfahan, Karaj, Takestan, Borujerd, Anzali, Neyshabur, and Nowshahr.
Iran detains 21 Christian converts amid postwar crackdown, rights group says
Iran intln (14.07.2025) – Iran has arrested at least 21 Christian converts in recent weeks, with some facing charges under a new law targeting alleged collaboration with hostile states, a rights group said.
The arrests, carried out by the Ministry of Intelligence, took place in Tehran, Rasht, Urmia, Kermanshah, Varamin, and Kerman, including one just before the recent war with Israel, according to the advocacy group Article 18.
While full details of the cases remain unclear, some involve the alleged possession of Bibles. Others may fall under a law that allows harsher punishments—including the death penalty—for individuals accused of cooperating with countries such as the United States or Israel.
Author of ‘Why Christian converts flee Iran’ explains motivation for book
Article 18 (11.07.2025)- “This book examines why Christian converts in Iran are forced to flee their homeland. It also explores their resistance and creativity in the face of relentless hostility.
“The book investigates the various forms of violence, repression and systematic propaganda these individuals endure—whether physical, legal, structural, or cultural.
“It covers everything from the murder of church leaders and confiscation of church properties, to laws targeting religious minorities, as well as discrimination embedded in education, religious discourse, and even urban planning.
Over 20 Christians arrested as UN experts decry targeting of minorities
Article 18 (10.07.2025) – At least 21 Christians have been arrested in five different cities in the two weeks since the end of the conflict with Israel, Article18 can reveal.
The arrests by agents of Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence targeted Christians in the cities of Tehran, Rasht, Orumiyeh, Kermanshah and Varamin, while a further arrest took place in Kerman just before the conflict.
Article18 has also received multiple other reports of arrests, which we are in the process of verifying.
Convicted Iranian Christian detained after deportation from Turkey
Article 18 (04.07.2025) – An Iranian Christian who fled after being sentenced to 10 years in prison for his membership of a house-church has been detained after being deported back to Iran from Turkey.
Mehran Shamloui, who is 43 years old, fled Iran earlier this year after he and two other Christian converts were sentenced to a combined total of over 40 years in prison for their religious activities.
However, Mehran decided not to apply for refugee status in Turkey and instead attempted to cross the border into Europe, but he was caught, detained and last night flown back to Mashhad, whereupon he was taken into police custody.
Iran rejects majority of UN recommendations, says ‘all enjoy rights without discrimination’
Article 18 (02.07.2025) – The Islamic Republic of Iran has rejected the vast majority of substantive recommendations made by UN member states at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, including regarding its treatment of religious minorities.
Of the 346 recommendations made in its fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR), the Islamic Republic rejected 186, accepted 142 and “noted” a further 18.
Baha’is
Baha’i citizen Armaghan Yazdani arrested in Shiraz
Iran Press watch (24.07.2025) – On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, Armaghan Yazdani, a Baha’i citizen residing in Shiraz, was arrested by agents of the IRGC Intelligence Organization. Her family home was also raided, during which agents confiscated digital devices, religious materials, and identification documents belonging to family members.
A source close to the family told HRANA:
“Ms. Yazdani was arrested while she was out with her mother and sister making preparations for her upcoming wedding. Agents intercepted them, forced the family to return home, and carried out the arrest at the residence.”
Baha’i Citizen Leva Samimi Arrested in Sari
Iran press watch (09.07.2025) – Leva Samimi, a Baha’i citizen from Juybar and the wife of Noyan Hejazi, was arrested earlier today by security forces outside Kachouei Detention Center in Sari and taken to an undisclosed location.
According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Samimi had been instructed to visit the detention center for a scheduled meeting with her husband. However, upon arriving at the facility, she was detained by security agents and transferred to an unknown location.
Baha’i citizen Soheil Haghdoost arrested during home raid in Qaemshahr
Iran Press Watch (07.07.2025) – On July 3, security forces arrested Soheil Haghdoost, a Baha’i citizen living in Qaemshahr, at his home. Officers searched the residence and confiscated several personal items.
According to HRANA, eight agents from the Ministry of Intelligence and Public Security carried out the arrest, reportedly using force during the operation. A source close to Haghdoost’s family confirmed the incident and noted the seizure of personal belongings during the search.
Earlier this week, on Tuesday, July 1, Haghdoost’s wife, Raquel Ataeian, was also arrested by IRGC Intelligence agents.
Security forces arrest Baha’i woman in Northern Iran
Iran press Watch (07.07.2025) – Iranian security forces have arrested a Baha’i woman at her home in northern Iran and transferred her to an undisclosed location, according to a human rights organization.
Raquel Ataeian was detained on Tuesday at her residence in Qaemshahr, the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights reported.
During the raid, security forces searched Ataeian’s home and confiscated her laptop, mobile phones, books, and personal belongings of other family members, the organization said.
Authorities have not disclosed the reason for her arrest, her current whereabouts, or whether any charges have been filed against her.
Continued incommunicado detention of Baha’i citizen Mehran Dastournezhad
Iran Press Watch (07.07.2025) – Mehran Dastournezhad, a Baha’i citizen, has been held in detention by security forces in Marvdasht for eight days, with no information available about his fate.
According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Mehran Dastournezhad was arrested in Marvdasht on June 28. His daughter reported that Mr. Dastournezhad’s arrest was carried out violently and accompanied by the confiscation of his personal belongings. According to her, eight days after the arrest, he has still not contacted his family.
