UN experts demand Iran reverse seizure of Tehran church, warn of crackdown on Persian Christian life

UN experts have demanded that Iran reverse its seizure of St. Peter's Evangelical Church in Tehran, also known as Qavam Church, and the eviction of 27 Christian community members. The compound, which included homes, offices, and schools, was reportedly seized after residents were given two weeks to leave, with church leaders threatened with arrest. This incident is part of a broader pattern of measures against Iran's Christian community, particularly Persian-speaking Christians. The experts highlighted that "Forced evictions are incompatible with international human rights law" and noted that other Christian sites have been closed or demolished, leaving Iran effectively without Persian Protestant places of worship. Additionally, Christians in Iran continue to face arrest, detention, and ill-treatment, with at least 79 currently imprisoned, many of whom are converts. One Christian convert, Ghazal Marzban Joorashari, was recently sentenced to six months in prison and 74 lashes for "failing to observe compulsory hijab."