ICC reports:
On February 2, Rev. Wilson Issavi was arrested by Iranian state security agents in Isfahan, Iran, an incident that has recently hit mainstream Christian media. However, ICC sources have confirmed that there were an additional eight other Christians arrested along with Rev. Issavi who are currently imprisoned and awaiting charges. The names and whereabouts of the remaining eight Christians must remain undisclosed for security purposes.
Rev. Issavi was visiting a friend’s home in Shahin Shahr, Isfahan when state security raided the house unannounced. Rev. Issavi, his hosts and others were apprehended by the security agents and immediately taken to prison. Friends and family are deeply concerned as they are unable to contact Rev. Issavi. The location and physical condition of the nine Christians is unknown.
The arrest of Rev. Issavi was a devastating blow to the Iranian Christian community. Rev. Issavi is known among friends as a humble and devoted servant of the church. He is considered a man of prayer who has lived a modest life to better assist those in need.
The arrests occurred after the Iranian government forced the closure of Rev. Issavi’s church, the Evangelical Church of Kermanshah, on January 2. Before its closure, the Evangelical Church of Kermanshah was among the few remaining open churches in the country.
Iranian Christians are under constant threat of discrimination, imprisonment, torture, and even execution by the Iranian government which severely restricts religious freedom.