16 Muslims Arrested in Iran for Embracing Christianity

Isfahan (Iran), SVM News, August 01, 2008: Sixteen Christians were arrested in Iran on July 27 during the baptism service in Malakshahr, near Isfahan in Iran.

All were converted from Islam to Christianity.

Six women, eight men and two youngsters under 18 were arrested on Sunday when they were assisting in a baptism ceremony of three new members of an underground church.

After the baptism service, they were planning to have worship service with Lord's Supper. But the secret police raided the church and arrested them.

They were put into the prison in an unknown place.

Few months ago, the government presented a bill which is currently being discussed in parliament, to include in the penal code the crime of "Ertedad" which is the act of abandoning the Muslim faith.

If the parliament does approve the law, the punishment for abandoning Islam and embracing Christianity will be the death penalty:

Rev. Paul Ciniraj, the Director of the Salem Voice Ministries requesting prayers for the safety of these converted christians. SVM spreading Gospel of Jesus Christ among Muslims in Asia, Africa and Middle East.