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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.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire that was to begin Friday afternoon, Worthy News learned.
At least 10 people, including four children, were injured in a Russian strike on Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region, Ukrainian authorities said Friday. In southern Ukraine, the State Emergency Service reported that one person was killed and four others were injured in a separate Russian attack on the Odesa region.
President Donald Trump signed the temporary peace deal with Iran ahead of schedule Wednesday at the Palace of Versailles in France, kicking off negotiations over a final nuclear deal.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s statement following the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the United States is being viewed by analysts not as an embrace of peace, but as a carefully crafted declaration that preserves Tehran’s revolutionary posture while allowing the regime to regroup.
The United States imposed new sanctions Thursday on individuals and entities linked to Hezbollah, accusing them of using political and financial influence to obstruct Lebanon’s peace process and delay the Iran-backed group’s disarmament.
Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on Moscow since the war began, hitting a key oil refinery and other targets around the Russian capital, leaving at least one person dead and numerous others injured, Russian officials said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Southeast Asian leaders in Kazan this week as Moscow moved to deepen ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and promote its vision of a “multipolar world order” aimed at countering U.S. global dominance.
The Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs encapsulate the beauty, wisdom, and eternal truths found in the Bible, creating an immersive experience that resonates with believers and seekers alike.
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