Compass Direct News (www.compassdirect.org) reports that in December and January, Iranian authorities reportedly released 62 of the 120 Christians arrested for their faith as well as one held in prison since June of 2010. Iranian religious and political figures acknowledged the existence of home fellowships and called them a threat to the state. Some were released on bail that range between a few thousand dollars to the deed on a house. Elam Ministries (www.elam.com) reported that some Christians reported solitary confinement and harsh interrogation. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (www.csw.org.uk) reported that 45 Christians were detained for one night in several towns and cities as part of a policy of harassing non-Muslims. “Silence is the worst thing about the situation of Christians in Iran. The Christians in Iran suffer from the silence of the international community.” Many are put to death secretly, but if news is made about a situation, there is reluctance.

The BBC reported that recent Tehran street protests were broken up by riot police and militia on motorcycles. Protests came a day after websites closed to opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi, and both are said to have been jailed.

Please pray: for the safety and release of Christians persecuted and imprisoned in Iran; for the increased faith and courage of all believers; for the government to be reformed so that political and religious freedoms are upheld for all.