By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
TEHRAN (Worthy News) - Iranian Christian Esmaeil Narimanpour, who was released on bail after more than four months in detention, faces new charges linked to his decision to leave Islam and follow Christ openly, Worthy News learned Friday.
Narimanpour was charged with "acting against national security by communicating with Christian 'Zionist' organizations,” Christians said.
The move reportedly comes after he was detained at his home on Christmas Eve in 2023 after being forced into "re-education" sessions with an Islamic cleric.
“When his family members attempted to inquire about his situation, they were subjected to interrogation by security forces for several hours,” recalled advocacy group Voice Of the Martyrs Canada (VOMC).
He was one of at least 46 Christians detained during a renewed government-backed crackdown on house churches across Iran over the Christmas season, including some in Ahvaz City and nearby Izeh.
After more than four months in detention at Ahvaz's Shiban Prison, Narimanpour was released on bail of about $10,000 in local currency as of April 30, according to Christians familiar with the case.
VOMC said it asked its supporters to pray that “all legal matters will be fully resolved and that the Lord will shield him from any further persecution by the Iranian authorities.”
Christians also asked for prayers as the strict Islamic nation is still reeling following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash.
VOMC acknowledged that “this situation alone may not bring about needed change for our Iranian brothers and sisters in Christ.”
For that, it said, those in power, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, need “a divine revelation.”