Matthias Haghnejad, a pastor from the Church of Iran, was arrested in the city of Rasht after a church service on 10 February.
Islamic Revolutionary Guard members entered the church where the service was being held just after it had concluded and arrested Pastor Haghnejad. They confiscated Bibles and mobile phones belonging to the attendees. They also went to the pastor’s home, where they confiscated his books and his wife’s phone.
Still caring
The pastor, who appeared to have been expecting the arrest, encouraged the congregation as he was being led away by the security agents. Since 2006 Pastor Haghnejad has been arrested and tried on several occasions. Two other Christians, were arrested in Rasht on 29 January. They were expected to face trial on 12 February but the hearing was postponed.