NCRI – A pastor at the Central Assemblies of God (AoG) Church in Tehran, was arrested on Tuesday while conducting a prayer meeting at the church.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) said in a news release it has also received reports that the church may be forced to close by the end of June due to continued pressure from the Iranian regime’s Ministry of Security and Intelligence.
CSW said the Iranian regime’s security forces are reported to have raided Rev. Robert Asserian’s house and confiscated some of his belongings, including his computer and books. They then made their way to the church, where Asserian was leading a prayer meeting. He was arrested and taken to an unknown location.
CSW said pressure on Iranian Christians has intensified in recent years, with churches and their members being targeted.
CSW’s Advocacy Director, Andrew Johnston, said in a news release, “We are deeply concerned for the welfare of Rev. Asserian and urge the authorities to make his whereabouts known. The continued and sustained pressure by the Iranian regime on churches in Tehran has boxed them into a corner to such an extent that they can no longer function.”
