Iran: 33 Christians still in Prison
Elam Ministries have compiled an accurate report detailing the known cases of persecution over the last six months and ask us to use this to intercede and also to help spread the news of the increasing persecution in Iran to generate more prayer and awareness. It is certain that at least 202 Christians have been arbitrarily arrested in 24 cities in Iran since June 2010. Thirty-three remain in prison today. This has happened against the background of government officials publicly speaking out against Christians. Elam have translated some of these statements and included them in a report. Please click the more button below and share this report with people you know who can intercede and spread the word. Following the wave of arrests and repressive measures against new Christians last month in Tehran, see Prayer Alert 02-2011and 03-2011, further news indicates that the security police in Isfahan have arrested four new Christians. Pray: that the persecution of Iranian Christians will no longer be hidden and that a wave of intercession will rise on behalf of Iran. (Ps.89:21-23) More: http://www.elam.com/Editor/assets/Recent%20arrests%20in%20Iran%20-%20briefing%20document%20final.pdf
Eritrea: Major crackdown on Christians
Over 100 Christians have been detained since December 30th in raids on churches in or near Asmara, and the town of Nakfa. In one case the entire congregation was taken in for questioning. The director of Release Eritrea, predicted an escalation in persecution in November and her fears are being realised. The church was further shaken by news of Seble Hagos Mebrahtu dying in custody because she was refused medical treatment for malaria. She was tortured for reading a Bible at her home. Open Doors reports an entire congregation of 41 were arrested and beaten on December 31, and 35 believers, including two elderly men in poor health, were arrested on January 9 while worshipping at a private address. It is not yet known whether these believers have been released. Also 27 Christians belonging to various churches were arrested and are still being held by police. President Isaias Afewerki said 'religious groups sought to ‘distract from the unity of the Eritrean people and distort the true meaning of religion.’ Pray: for God to set Eritrea free from deception and to be released into faith in Jesus Christ. (Lk.4:18)
Egypt: Rioting impact on Christians
It’s unclear what impact recent demonstrations will have on Christians in Egypt who complain that the government has not done enough to protect them. In one of the latest attacks an off-duty policeman boarded a train and went from car to car shooting those he identified as Christians, killing at least one man and injuring four women. A Christian leader said, ‘We wonder if Christians will continue to be safe riding trains or walking in the streets, but we are happy that God has placed us here and we believe He will use this time to bring many souls to Him'. Egyptian Christians are also praying for appropriate, swift justice for crimes against them. Last Saturday a man responsible for killing six Christians a year ago was sentenced to death for first degree murder an ‘intimidating citizens’ and it is hoped the severity of that sentence will encourage judges to appropriately address violence against Christians. Last week Egypt's President said, ‘slow justice’ breeds bitterness. Pray: that the bereaved, wounded and traumatised will know God’s comfort and healing and the justice system would apply appropriate investigations. (Mic.6:8)
Middle East: Democratisation
Larbi Sadiki, senior lecturer in Middle East Politics at University of Exeter made the following comments: Regions in N Africa have been preparing to fight radical Islam and were caught unawares by the millions of educated youth who make up a large portion of the region's population. The policing, equipment, funding, expertise and anti-terror philosophy being fed to Algeria, Libya, Morocco, etc were geared towards fighting the radical Islamists. But from Tunisia and Algeria in the Maghreb to Jordan and Egypt in Arab east, the real terror consuming self-worth, sabotaging community and marriages is the terror of socio-economic marginalisation. When oppression becomes too heavy and politically costly for a government, bargains begin, including promises of jobs and policy, reversals of food price increase and even scapegoats in the form of ministerial dismissals. This is where Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt are today. But dissidents have not infiltrated governments or built political power bases to enable a ‘velvet revolution in the Arab world. Ben Ali is weak and has now fled to Saudi Arabia and the party and army that protected him is withdrawing loyalty as the crisis deepens. Pray: for the birth of a democratic system to grow out of the current chaos. (Is.14:32) More: http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/01/201111413424337867.html
