Iranian security police routinely arrest and interrogate Christian converts, who are considered criminals guilty of apostasy against Islam. While in custody, the Christians are subjected to rough interrogations, attempting to forcibly extract information from them about Iran’s spreading network of illegal house churches.

Mojtaba Hussein (aged 21) was one of those arrested in mid-May during an early morning raid on his home, where police also detained his father Hamid Allaedin Hussein, his sister Fatemah, 28, and brother Muhammed Ali, 27. His father and siblings were released later the same day. The family’s books, CDs, computers and printers were all confiscated in the police raid.

In late May, his family were told that he was refusing to co-operate but on Monday 2 June, he was released on bail (€13,000 approx.). Local Christians believe that his release on bail was due to international pressure. Mojtaba remains under virtual house arrest, subjected to strict surveillance of all his communications. He has been charged with “activities against our holy religion,” and faces trial at an unspecified date.

Two other Christians (who are former Muslims) remain in police custody – their location and condition unknown. They were arrested while talking in a public park in Shiraz on 13 May. Mahmood Matin and a second man identified only by his first name, Arash, are members of another house church group in the city. (Compass Direct)