Iran has handed down more than 50 years of combined prison time to five Christians—punishing them not for crimes, but for ordinary acts of Christian worship. Their “offenses” included praying, taking Communion, baptizing believers, and celebrating Christmas. Among those sentenced are Pastor Joseph Shahbazian and convert Nasser Navard Gol-Tapeh, both former prisoners of conscience who have already suffered years behind bars for leading house-church gatherings. Three women—including Joseph’s wife, Lida, and believer Aida Najaflou—were also sentenced, with at least four receiving harsh 10-year terms under Iran’s amended Article 500. Several were given additional five-year penalties for “gathering and collusion,” and Aida received extra years for alleged “propaganda” tied to her social-media posts. Even as Aida suffers severe spinal injuries, Iran continues to imprison rather than provide proper care.

These sentences were issued by notorious hardline judge Abolqasem Salavati, known for punishing political and religious dissent with extraordinary severity. The believers’ Bibles and Christian materials were confiscated for “intelligence research,” mirroring a growing trend in Iran where Scripture itself is treated as contraband. The persecution of Christians in Iran continues to escalate, reminding us that the prophetic birth pains are intensifying globally—especially against those who bear the name of Christ. Jesus warned that believers would be hated by all nations for His sake (Matthew 24:9), and Iran is proving the truth of that prophecy. The imprisoned Christians have 20 days to appeal, but their case provides yet another sobering sign of the rising hostility toward biblical faith in the last days.

SOURCE: Article 18