Two Christian converts killed in crackdown on protests in Iran

At least two Christian converts have been killed in a brutal crackdown on anti-government protests in Iran that began earlier this year. Initially sparked by economic concerns, protests by the merchant class escalated into widespread anti-government demonstrations that were met with deadly force by the authorities. The death toll from these events remains a matter of debate, but some estimates range from 7,000 to more than 30,000.

According to Christian Today, confirmation of the deaths of two Christian converts, Nader Mohammadi and Zahra Arjomandi, came from Article 18, an organization that promotes religious freedom in Iran. The cases underscore the particular vulnerability of Christian converts in a country where, according to Open Doors, Iran has the 10th highest rate of persecution of Christians in the world.

The protests in Iran began in December with strikes by “bazari” – traders usually loyal to the regime but concerned about the economy. Subsequently, isolated demonstrations turned into open anti-government protests. The authorities responded with extreme brutality, using lethal force.

According to the publication, these protests were actively promoted and supported by foreign actors, including US President Donald Trump, Reza Pahlavi, son of the deposed Shah of Iran, as well as the Israeli intelligence services Mossad. The latter even issued a tweet in Farsi: “We are with you. Not only at a distance and in words. We are with you on the battlefield.”

Iran ranks an alarming 10th in the world in terms of persecution of Christians, according to the organization Open Doors. New converts from Islam are at particular risk, and it is two such Christians – Nader Mohammadi, 35, and Zahra Arjomandi, 51 – who have been confirmed dead.

The Article 18 organization said Mohammadi and Arjomandi were shot and killed during separate protests on Jan. 8. In addition to them, seventeen other Christians have been confirmed dead, including both converts and members of the historic Armenian and Assyrian Christian communities.

Nader Mohammadi is believed to have joined the protests as a direct result of Reza Pahlavi’s call. According to Article 18, Mohammadi’s last message to his relatives read: “I took to the streets on the order of [Crown] Prince [Reza Pahlavi], and I must obey this order.”

As for Zahra Arjomandi, according to Iranian Christian website Mohabat News, her body was held by Iranian security forces for six days. When the body was finally handed over, the family was prohibited from holding a memorial service or disseminating any information about the circumstances of her death.

Recall that recent targeted strikes against Iran’s leadership, including the reported death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, have prompted a wide range of international reactions. While a global network of Iranian Christians expressed welcome and even jubilation, seeing these events as a step toward justice, prominent religious figures such as the Archbishop of Jerusalem and Pope Leo have expressed deep concern, calling for peace, prayer and dialog.