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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.
European policymakers, church leaders and representatives of Syria’s Christian communities have urged the country’s transitional authorities to protect minority Christians amid concerns over the future of believers in the war-torn Middle East nation.
A reported Houthi attack has struck Saudi Arabia’s strategically vital East-West oil pipeline, the massive cross-country system designed to keep Saudi crude flowing even when the Strait of Hormuz is threatened or closed.
Spanish-Moroccan relations, already strained over migration, faced more pressure Friday after Spain’s lower house of parliament approved legislation that would grant Spanish citizenship to tens of thousands of Sahrawis born when Madrid administered Western Sahara.
Russia launched fresh air attacks on Ukraine early Friday after NATO reportedly confronted Russian vessels trying to sabotage undersea cables, highlighting concerns that Moscow is attempting to extend the war by targeting Europe’s critical infrastructure.
Iran-backed Houthi forces seized Yemen’s strategic Red Sea port city of Mocha, raising fears for global shipping as escalating Middle East tensions pushed oil prices above $100 a barrel.
The United States and its allies are commemorating the 25th anniversary of the worst terror attacks on American soil, which had worldwide implications ranging from wars to increased surveillance.
Several impoverished Christians have died across Pakistan in recent days amid what advocates describe as a pattern of violence, discrimination and hardship potentially threatening the Christian community throughout the predominantly Muslim nation, Christian sources told Worthy News.
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.
Copyright The New Jerusalem Media.