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Detainment / Arrest

  • 24 Christians Recently Released!

    Victorious hands with broken handcuffs are silhouetted against a brilliant sunburst.
    Photo: NeedPix

    A report has recently surfaced, indicating that 24 Eritrean believers were released from prison in early April. While most of the freed Christians had been detained for more than two years, one of them endured imprisonment for over 18 years. As is often the case, few details have been made available, and no official explanation was given for the releases.

  • Case Against Believer Adjourned

    Saeid Mansour Abdulraziq is relaxing and smiling.
    Saeid Mansour Abdulraziq
    Photo: CSW

    On April 21st, legal proceedings began in the case against Saeid Abdulraziq, a Christian convert in Egypt. Although the believer has been accused under the country's anti-terrorism laws, advocates believe his arrest is primarily linked to his conversion to Christianity and subsequent involvement in faith-related activities. (To access a previously published report regarding Saeid's case, go to this report.)

  • Christian Leaders Released from Prison

    Han Xiaodong (left), Li Jie (center), and Wang Qiang (right) are happily smiling in front of the banner.
    Church leaders in front of a banner stating,
    ”Dad, welcome home.”
    Photo: ChinaAid

    In August 2022, police raided a family camp run by the Linfen Covenant House Church, resulting in numerous arrests and the closure of both the church and its affiliated school. (For additional details, see these reports.)Among those arrested were Pastor Li Jie, Han Xiaodong and Wang Qiang.

  • Court Hearing for Christian Convert

    Saeid is leaning to one side and smiling.
    Saeid Mansour Abdulraziq
    Photo: CSW

    Saeid Mansour Abdulraziq converted from Islam to Christianity in 2016, joining the Russian Orthodox Church. Immediately following his conversion, he began experiencing harassment and intimidation from his family members, the wider community, and local police. In an effort to find safety, Saeid sought asylum in Russia but was forced to return to Egypt in 2024.

  • Pastor Acquitted of Illegal Conversion Charges

    Two girls in brightly coloured clothing are hugging on an outdoor bench.
    Photo: PxHere

    In December 2024, Pastor Janmajaya Bhattarai, joined by a team of fellow Christians, distributed gifts and clothing to underprivileged students. At the request of local schools, the believers faithfully carried out this outreach program for several years as a Christmas tradition.

  • Another Church Leader Arrested

    The priest Anatol Parakhnevich is raising a communion cup.
    Father Anatol Parakhnevich
    Photo: Katolik.life
     

    On March 16th, masked security officials arrested Anatol Parakhnevich, a 65-year-old Catholic priest, at his parish in Alkovichi, Minsk Region. During the arrest, officers searched his home as well as the church building. Following the raid, both premises were sealed, with the keys being returned one week later.

  • Police Arrest 13 Believers During Gathering

    A prison watch tower rises above heavy barbed wire.
    Photo: Pexels / Alejandro De Roa

    On Sunday, March 15th, Eritrean police arrested 13 Christians at a gathering held in an undisclosed location. The believers were then taken to a prison in the capital city of Asmara. While the identities of the arrested individuals have not been publicly released, a recently received report indicates that one of the detainees – who previously spent 15 years in prison – was freed less than a year ago. No further information regarding the arrests is currently available. In the interim, considering the longstanding patterns of persecution in Eritrea, there are concerns that these believers may be held without any formal charges or court trial.

  • Heightened Concerns for Christian Prisoners

    A small group of people are gathered near the entrance of Evin Prison.
    Evin Prison in Tehran, Iran.
    Photo: Flickr / sbzphoto (CC)

    As political conflict continues in Iran, serious concerns have been raised about the safety of the country's prisoners of conscience, including at least 48 Christian captives. In June 2025, Evin Prison was struck by an Israeli missile, resulting in major damages to the facility which houses many religious and political prisoners. Those in custody were transferred to other locations of the country where they were imprisoned amid unsanitary and overcrowded conditions until the repairs were completed. Human rights advocates warn that the renewed instability raises the risk of similar incidents occurring.

  • Church Elder Released After Five Years' Imprisonment

    Elder Zhang Chunlei is holding a large bundle of flowers. There is a cross on the wall behind him.
    Elder Zhang Chunlei
    Photo: ChinaAid

    Zhang Chunlei is an elder with the Ren'ai Reformed Church in Guiyang, China. Following his arrest in March 2021, he was sentenced to five years in prison for allegedly "inciting subversion of state power." The Christian leader also received accusations of fraud relating to the receipt of church offerings – a charge commonly used to suppress unregistered congregations. Fellow believers describe the elder as a "gentle, yet firm spiritual leader."

  • New Charges Filed Against Retired Missionary

    Ms. Park Tae-yeon is smiling.
    Ms. Park Tae-yeon
    Photo: VOM Korea

    In January, Ms. Park Tae-yeon – a long-serving missionary who lovingly cared for children in Russia – was planning to retire after 33 years of ministry. However, before she could return to South Korea, Russian authorities prevented the Christian woman from leaving the country. In the process, they also arrested her for alleged immigration violations. (For more details, see this report.)