Father Vartan Avansian, a leader of the Persian-language church in Iran, said that, referring to reports by the United Nations about violations of citizens’ rights in Iran, pressure on Christians began in the early years of the Islamic Republic with the closure of bookstores and places of worship, followed by arrests, interrogation, and threats.

He added that Christians in Iran are still being imprisoned because of their religious beliefs, and despite the activities of institutions that defend the rights of Christians, there is still a lot to be done to bring the voices of people who are under pressure and subjected to persecution to the international community.