Published on September 29, 2024, 12:44 am

Image source: Fox News

Earlier this week, Anooshavan Avedian, a 62-year-old Iranian-Armenian pastor, was released after serving just over one year of a 10-year sentence. This comes after a successful appeal that saw his plea accepted at Branch 21 of the Tehran Appeal Court, leading to his immediate release. Despite his release coinciding with major political events such as visits to New York by Iran’s former president Ebrahim Raisi and his successor Masoud Pezeshkian, any association between these two occurrences has been discouraged.

Anooshavan’s arrest back in August 2020 took place amid an abrupt raid by about 30 intelligence agents at his private gathering at home in the northeastern region of Tehran, Narmak. His charges included “establishing and leading an illegal group with the aim of disrupting the country’s security”, along with claims contradicting Islam and foreign correspondence. Even other members from his house church such as Abbas Soori and Maryam Mohammadi were implicated during this trial.

Throughout their incarceration in Evin Prison, allegations of psychological torture and disrespectful treatment during interrogation sessions have been reported by Article18. Their faith and character were reportedly insulted as they tried to defend themselves.

The United Nations Human Rights Committee has on several occasions urged Iran to release those held prisoner on account of their exercising religious freedom and provide them sufficient compensation. However, at least 21 other Christians are currently still serving their sentences related to practicing their faith in Iran.

Despite international pressure for greater religious freedom, Iran remains resistant to change. The growth of Christianity is seen as a threat by the Iranian government to its Islamic regime. According to Open Doors USA’s World Watch List, converts from Islam face the greatest risks with Iran ranking ninth-worst globally for Christian persecution amidst trusted news sites around the world.

In fact, small Christian groups or house churches comprising converts from Muslim backgrounds often find themselves targeted. Their leaders, as well as members, are frequently arrested, prosecuted and handed long prison sentences under charges of “crimes against national security”.

Considering the real news landscape today, it is pertinent to remember that the freedom to practice one’s preferred religion in peace continues to be a contentious issue worldwide. Anooshavan Avedian’s release may mark a milestone in the Christian Worldview, however, it also underscores the perilous journey many others still face for choosing to follow their faith in repressive regimes.