In one of the latest moves against evangelism, the Iranian government has blacklisted Christian broadcasts. This new legislation introduced in July includes criminalizing viewers of Iran Alive Ministries.
SCRIPT
The Iranian regime has introduced one of its most aggressive crackdowns yet against Christians there.
A number of Christian groups including Iran Alive Ministries have been declared hostile organisations, which dramatically increases legal consequences for any of their viewers.
The ministry’s founder Hormoz Shariat explains the implications for this new legislation:
Anybody connected to us, anybody working for us. Anybody supporting us even appearing on our channel, even doing a like on our social media is a criminal. Officially criminal. Why did they do that? Number one to put fear in the hearts of the people. Another law, another law, that’s how they control the people of Iran, passing laws and making it harder to follow Christ. So, easier persecution.
Shariat says however the Iranian government cannot monitor their satellite broadcasts:
The great thing about satellite television, 24/7 the signal goes over the heads of the Mullahs into people’s homes and the government cannot stop it and you cannot prove that you’re watching it it’s secure. If you go online and watch us two things can happen. They can turn off internet at anytime, which they have. Second if they catch you they can trace what you watched yesterday, a month ago and they have proof and they can come and arrest you. But when you watch satellite television there’s no proof. If they raid your home they cannot prove what you’re watching ten minutes ago.
And Shariat is urging prayer that Christian in Iran won’t be paralyzed by fear in the midst of this ongoing persecution and will continue to live out their lives as strong believers.
People Interviewed and their Titles
Hormoz Shariat – Iran Alive Ministries Founder
Recording Location
Iran
Organization featured in this Story
Iran Alive Ministries – www.iranalive.org
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