By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
TEHRAN (Worthy News) – Friends of a detained Christian woman in Tehran urged fellow believers to pray for her on Wednesday after Iran’s authorities demanded $135,000 in local currency for her release.
Without bail money, Aida Najaflou remains in the notorious Evin Prison in Tehran following her arrest for Christian activities some four months ago, Worthy News learned.
“Aida was arrested in Tehran in early 2025 and taken to Ward 209 of Evin Prison, which is operated by Iranian Intelligence,” confirmed advocacy group Middle East Concern (MEC).
“Later, she was transferred to the women’s section of the prison,” MEC added.
Christians with close knowledge about the situation said she is facing trumped-up charges of “acting against national security” and “propaganda against the regime.”
Authorities want “a very large sum, 11 billion tomans (approximately $135,000)”
as bail. “Her family has been unable to provide this for Aida’s conditional release,” MEC told Worthy News.
PRAYERS URGED
“Please pray that God will give His comfort and peace to Aida and her family, that Aida will be released soon, and Iran will stop oppressing its Christian citizens, including converts,” MEC added.
Aida Najaflou is among numerous devout Christians recently detained by the Islamic Republic’s authorities. Among them are converts who angered authorities by abandoning Islam, Worthy News documented.
“Both leaders and ordinary members of Christian groups are often arrested, prosecuted and given long prison sentences for ‘crimes against national security’,” added advocacy group Open Doors.
“Recognised historical communities, such as Armenian and Assyrian Christians, are state-protected but treated as second-class citizens. They face many discriminatory legal provisions and are not allowed to worship in Persian or interact with Christian converts. Those who support converts can also face imprisonment,” added the group.
Open Doors ranks Iran 9th on its annual World Watch List of 50 countries where it says Christians face the most persecution for their faith in Christ.
Copyright 1999-2025 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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