Iranian intelligence agents have arrested two Christian citizens in Tehran. The detainees have been identified as Naser Nourd Gol-Tapeh and Joseph Shahbazian.
According to reports, in the early hours of Thursday, February 6, 2025, security forces raided the residence of Joseph Shahbazian in Tehran and Naser Nourd Gol-Tapeh in the city of Parand, arresting both individuals. Following their detention, they were transferred to Evin Prison.
Naser Nourd Gol-Tapeh has begun a hunger strike in protest against what he calls his unlawful detention since his arrival at Evin Prison.
Both Shahbazian and Gol-Tapeh have previously been arrested on charges related to their Christian faith and the expression of their religious beliefs.
Previous Arrests and Sentences
Joseph Shahbazian was previously arrested in May 2022 on charges of establishing a house church, promoting Christianity, and acting against national security. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison by Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran, presided over by Judge Afshari. In September 2023, after an appeal was accepted, he was released from prison.
Naser Nourd Gol-Tapeh was first arrested in July 2016 at a private gathering and sentenced to 10 years in prison on similar charges of forming a house church and promoting Christianity. He was released in October 2022 after serving half of his sentence.
The arrests of Christians in Iran, particularly those accused of involvement in house churches, have raised concerns among human rights organizations, who view such detentions as part of the Iranian government’s broader crackdown on religious minorities.
