Concerns Over Wife Of Jailed Pastor In Iran

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

TEHRAN (Worthy News) – There was concern Friday about the detained wife of Pastor Joseph Shahbazian, who was sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment for his Christian work in Iran.

On “April 12, governing officials also decided to arrest Pastor Joseph’s wife Lida Alexani whom they’ve placed in solitary confinement. At last report, she was still being detained in Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison,” said advocacy group Voice of the Martyrs Canada. “Regrettably, neither Joseph nor Lida received permission to attend the funeral that was held on April 14 for his mother, who passed away five days prior to the service.”

It was the latest setback for their family as Pastor Shahbazian was already serving jail time. “After an appeal, he was released a year after his detention in 2022. For unknown reasons, however, he was suddenly rearrested on February 6th of this year, and now reportedly faces numerous charges,” Christians told Worthy News.

Since his rearrest, Iranian authorities have targeted his wife as well as his friends, Christians explained. The reported harassment appears to be an effort to gather evidence against him, according to sources familiar with the situation.

One friend was reportedly told by his interrogator, “If you don’t help us, we’ll have to resume our unfinished investigation against you.”

Christian urged prayers for the pastor and his wife, as well as other believers currently being jailed in the Islamic Republic.

The Islamic rulers of Iran have stepped up a crackdown on those perceived to threaten their power base, including devout Christians. Former Muslims who turn to Christianity are especially vulnerable to persecution, according to rights investigators.

Tehran has denied wrongdoing and says it defends Islamic values.

Copyright 1999-2025 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.

More Worthy News

Supreme Court Vacates New York Ruling Forcing Catholic Diocese to Cover Abortions
Supreme Court Vacates New York Ruling Forcing Catholic Diocese to Cover Abortions
Tuesday, June 17, 2025

The U.S. Supreme Court has overturned a New York state court ruling that required the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany to provide abortion coverage in its employee health plan, sending the case back to the New York Court of Appeals for reconsideration. The decision marks a significant development in a years-long legal battle over religious freedom and state health mandates.

Trump Shares Huckabee’s Message of Faith: “This Moment Sought You” as God Guides Decisions on Israel
Trump Shares Huckabee’s Message of Faith: “This Moment Sought You” as God Guides Decisions on Israel
Tuesday, June 17, 2025

President Donald Trump on Tuesday shared a powerful message from U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, underscoring the belief that God’s hand is guiding America’s leadership during this critical moment in the Middle East.

Operation Soteria Shield: 109 Children Rescued, 244 Arrested in Texas
Operation Soteria Shield: 109 Children Rescued, 244 Arrested in Texas
Tuesday, June 17, 2025

North Texas law enforcement agencies, in partnership with the FBI, announced Tuesday the results of Operation Soteria Shield—a sweeping month-long initiative that rescued 109 children from online sexual exploitation and resulted in 244 arrests, including 21 registered sex offenders.

Israel Plans to Counter Fallout Risk as Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites Continue
Israel Plans to Counter Fallout Risk as Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites Continue
Tuesday, June 17, 2025

In the midst of ongoing military operations across Iran, an Israeli official has confirmed that the country is actively preparing to mitigate potential contamination resulting from strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, including the heavily fortified Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant.

US Evangelist Jimmy Swaggart In Critical Condition (Worthy News In-Depth)
US Evangelist Jimmy Swaggart In Critical Condition (Worthy News In-Depth)
Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Jimmy Swaggart, the U.S. evangelist who is believed to have preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ on television longer than any other American in history, remained in critical condition Tuesday after suffering a heart attack, family members said.

FBI Director Kash Patel Declassifies Alleged CCP Election Plot Documents, Hands Docs Over to Congress
FBI Director Kash Patel Declassifies Alleged CCP Election Plot Documents, Hands Docs Over to Congress
Tuesday, June 17, 2025

FBI Director Kash Patel on Monday evening turned over to Congress newly declassified intelligence reports detailing allegations that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) sought to interfere in the 2020 U.S. presidential election. The allegations include claims that China mass-produced fake U.S. driver’s licenses to facilitate fraudulent mail-in ballots for Democrat Joe Biden.

Trump Rejects Ceasefire, Demands Iran Abandon Nuclear Program as Tensions Soar
Trump Rejects Ceasefire, Demands Iran Abandon Nuclear Program as Tensions Soar
Tuesday, June 17, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump made clear Monday night that he is not seeking a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, but rather a permanent end to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Speaking as he departed the G7 summit in Canada, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he wants a “real end” to the nuclear issue — with Iran “giving up entirely” on its nuclear program.