IRAN RELEASES ARMENIAN CHRISTIAN AND FORMER MUSLIMS; OTHERS DETAINED
Stefan J. Bos

BosNewsLife
Feb 9 2009
Hungary

TEHRAN, IRAN (BosNewsLife)– An Armenian Christian and two former
Muslims who were among possibly dozens of Christians detained in
Iran since last month were free Monday, February 9, after authorities
unexpectedly released them, Christians said.

Middle East Concern (MEC), an advocacy group closely monitoring the
case, told BosNewsLife that Armenian Christian Hamik Khachikian
was released after one week’s detention, while Nadereh Jamali, a
believer from a Muslim background, was released"on bail after two
weeks’ detention." Christians said later Monday, February 9 that her
husband Jamal Ghalishorani, 49, was also released.

They were among at least least ten Christians who were detained
in the capital Tehran on January 21, and could still face charges,
Christians warned.

Outside the capital some 40 other Christians are believed to have
been captured by Iranian authorities, in most cases for abandoning
Islam. Their whereabouts remained unclear Monday, February 9.

CHRISTIAN CHARGED

At least one Christian has reported been charged with "sacrilege", but
authorities have given no explanation what they regard as sacrilege,
MEC said.

In addittion several believers arrested and released in 2008 are
still waiting to be informed of the dates of court hearings, the
group added. "Previous cases suggest that some may never receive a
hearing date and that their cases might end quietly, though sometimes
without the return of bail money. Others may be informed of hearing
dates that are then repeatedly rescheduled."

There has been concern however over an intense crackdown on Christians
after Iranian’s parliament approved legislation that would make
"apostasy", or leaving Islam, a capital offense for both men and women.

One of Iran’s leading Protestant pastors, Hussein Soodman, was already
executed in December 1990 for converting from Islam to Christianity,
after an Islamic court condemned him.Hussein Soodman, an Assemblies of
God pastor, had been involved in Christian activities for 24 years,
Christians said. He was reportedly hanged on December 3, 1990, as
part of a wave of repression directed against the small Christian
community in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

AWAITING APPROVAL

The law currently debated still awaits approval of the Guardians
Council, which investigates all legislation for compliance with
Islamic principles and authorization by the "Supreme Leader".

MEC said that Iranian Christians have requested that those detained
for their faith "will know the Lord’s presence and enabling in prison
and will be released soon" and that others released on bail will also
"know the Spirit’s guiding in their return to normal living."

Iranian Christians have also been praying that, "the ongoing wave of
arrests will end", will know God’s guidance during upcoming court
hearings and that, "All officials involved will hear the good news
of Jesus."

It comes ahead of upcoming elections in Iran, which rights groups
hope will lead to more political and religious freedoms. Former
President Mohammad Khatami, who favors closer ties with the West,
could give hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad a serious challenge,
analysts say.

The 65-year old Khatami, who announced his presidential candidacy
Sunday, February 8, already favored more social and political freedom
as president from 1997 to 2005.

However it is unclear whether his reforms would immediately benefit
minority Christians, as the Islamic Guardians Council is expected to
remain powerful in this strict Islamic nation.
From: Baghdasarian