Concerns Over Wife Of Jailed Pastor In Iran

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

TEHRAN (Worthy News) – There was concern Friday about the detained wife of Pastor Joseph Shahbazian, who was sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment for his Christian work in Iran.

On “April 12, governing officials also decided to arrest Pastor Joseph’s wife Lida Alexani whom they’ve placed in solitary confinement. At last report, she was still being detained in Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison,” said advocacy group Voice of the Martyrs Canada. “Regrettably, neither Joseph nor Lida received permission to attend the funeral that was held on April 14 for his mother, who passed away five days prior to the service.”

It was the latest setback for their family as Pastor Shahbazian was already serving jail time. “After an appeal, he was released a year after his detention in 2022. For unknown reasons, however, he was suddenly rearrested on February 6th of this year, and now reportedly faces numerous charges,” Christians told Worthy News.

Since his rearrest, Iranian authorities have targeted his wife as well as his friends, Christians explained. The reported harassment appears to be an effort to gather evidence against him, according to sources familiar with the situation.

One friend was reportedly told by his interrogator, “If you don’t help us, we’ll have to resume our unfinished investigation against you.”

Christian urged prayers for the pastor and his wife, as well as other believers currently being jailed in the Islamic Republic.

The Islamic rulers of Iran have stepped up a crackdown on those perceived to threaten their power base, including devout Christians. Former Muslims who turn to Christianity are especially vulnerable to persecution, according to rights investigators.

Tehran has denied wrongdoing and says it defends Islamic values.

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