Christian Convert's Fate Unknown in Iran's Karaj Prison

By Jeremy Reynalds
Senior Correspondent for ASSIST News Service

IRAN (ANS) -- Hossein Saketi Aramsari is an Iranian Christian who has been in custody since July 2013 in Central Detention House in Karaj.

According to a story by Mohabat Iranian Christian News Agency, Saketi's situation is currently unknown. He is currently being held in Ward 7 of Karaj Central Detention House where another prisoner of conscience, Behnam Irani, is also imprisoned.

Mohab News reported that human rights activists are saying Iranian Intelligence authorities arrested Saketi on July 23, in Golestan.

Saketi (known as Stephen by his friends), was transferred to Jajrom county jail, and then to the Intelligence Office in Bojnord, the capital of North Khorasan province.

After 15 days in solitary confinement, his case was submitted to the Revolutionary Court in Alborz county.

On Aug. 6, he was transferred to the Intelligence Office of Karaj, and held in solitary confinement in Ward 8 of Rajaei-Shahr prison until Oct. 26 2013. Ward 8 of the Rajaei-Shahr prison is managed by the Revolutionary Guards.

After his time in solitary confinement, he was transferred to the Central Detention House in Karaj.

He was later taken to Branch 6 o f the Revolutionary Court where Judge Mohammad-Yari officially charged him with doing evangelism.

While Christianity is increasing in Iran, especially in the past few years, Mohabat News said youth and family conversions have become a major concern for the Iranian security authorities and Islamic leaders.

Mohabat News said reports indicate that cases of those who have converted from Islam to Christianity has been processed faster in the last few months.

For more information visit www.mohabatnews.com