Religious minorities continue to face repression in Iran, despite new President Hassan Rouhani’s moderate persona, reports Al-Monitor.
Al-Monitor says the new President should speak with actions, not words, as he prepares to address the UN General Assembly in New York next week. “Since Rouhani’s election in June, there has been a renewed crackdown on Protestant Christians resulting in numerous arrests,” reports Al-Monitor.
Meanwhile, the BBC reports that Rouhani has released a number of political prisoners. Mohabat News reports that two Christian women were among those released. However, Mohabat says the two Christians were nearing the end of their sentences, while Middle East Concern reports that 20 Christians were arrested in the last two months in Iran.
Meanwhile, US-Iranian pastor Saeed Abedini, who has served one of his eight-year term, has written to Rouhani asking for justice and freedom.