Christian Activities Pastor Arrested at Christmas Mass | Faith

Plino. 01/10/2023 6:27 PM | Updated on 01/10/2023 18:55

Pastor Adulriza Ali Haqnejad, better known as Matthias, was arrested during Christmas mass in Bandar, northern Iran. Christians Amir and Masoud, two members of the church led by Reverend Matthias, were arrested that same night, and shortly thereafter, the Reverend’s wife was arrested.

He’s been out of jail for just over three months, having served part of a six-year prison sentence for his religious activities. Until December 26, he was arrested again.

Now the priest is being held in Lakan prison near the town of Rasht. Before being taken to prison, Matthias’ house was searched. Personal belongings such as laptop computers and Christian items were confiscated. The priest’s wife, Anahita, was also summoned to answer the questioning of the Iranian intelligence officers and was taken to Lakan prison as well.

arbitrary judgment
Matthias is 49 years old, and since 2006 he has been arrested several times for carrying out Christian activities and being convicted in many cases of felony. Anahita was also arrested more times and accused of apostasy. The reason for her and the two other members of Reverend Matthias’ church was arrested remains unknown, as no formal charges have been filed against them.

Amir Sabah was released last Friday (6) after posting bail. But Rahi, Anahita and Masood remain trapped. They are all part of the Church of Iran, the sect of well-known pastor Yousef Nadarkhani, who was also arrested under wrongful conviction.

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