DEATH TO IRAN

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>Christian converts in Iran Accused of 'Acting Out Against National Security' Await Verdict after Delays

>Four Iranian converts facing the possibility of up to six years in prison on charges of "acting against national security" are awaiting a verdict expected to be issued soon after numerous delays, according to human rights activists.

>"Acting against national security" is a catch-all charge often used by the Iranian government to punish different types of religious and political dissent. The government often uses it against converts instead of the charge of apostasy, according to freedom of religion advocates, in an attempt to avoid international scrutiny.

>A ruling is also expected on an appeal filed by Omidi, Mossayebzadeh and Fadaie (the converts) against a sentence of 80 lashes each for drinking wine during a Communion service.

>Of particular concern to human rights activists was the presence in the courtroom of Abolghasem Salavati, a judge for the 15th Branch of the Revolutionary Court, during the most recent hearing. Salavati announced that "Christians make foolish claims," according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).

>In Christian support organization Open Doors' list of countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, Iran had a score of 85 out of 100 in the 2017 World Watch List, leaving it ranked eighth out of 50. Various aid and rights groups affirm that the underground church is growing in Iran in spite of the crack-down. As many as 450,000 Iranians are worshipping Christ within Iran's borders, according to Open Doors, and other organizations believe the figure could be as high as 1 million in the country of 80.3 million.

http://www.gospelherald.com/articles/71083/20170705/converts-iran-accused-acting-out-against-national-security-await-verdict.htm