At least seven Iranian-Armenian Christians have been killed by security forces during nationwide protests that began December 28, 2025, in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and spread across 31 provinces. Tens of thousands were arrested, including at least ten Christians in Fars province alone, as authorities imposed a near-total internet blackout and blamed believers for fueling unrest. Church leaders like Hormoz Shariat of Iran Alive Ministries reported Christians provided food and water to demonstrators despite the risks, while advocacy groups called for international accountability as the government increasingly scapegoats religious minorities amid Iran’s largest demonstrations in years.
Several Iranian Christians have been killed and dozens arrested during nationwide protests that began on December 28, 2025, according to reports from rights groups and church leaders monitoring the unrest.
Iranian Christians killed and arrested as nationwide protests enter second week amid violent government crackdown and internet blackout.
The demonstrations, which have continued without interruption across Iran’s north, south, east, and west, represent the largest in years by both duration and geographic spread, involving millions from diverse backgrounds.
At least seven Iranian-Armenian Christians have been killed by security forces in recent days, including Ejmin Masihi, who was identified by name and killed in Tehran.
Six other Armenian Christians have been confirmed dead by sources, while three more have been wounded, including two nephews shot in Shiraz.
Armenian media confirmed only Masihi by name, though unconfirmed reports mention three additional Armenian wounded in Tehran.
Security forces responded to the protests with violence, imposing a near-total internet blackout for nearly a week.
The total protester deaths are estimated at 2,500 confirmed, with rights groups suggesting the figure could reach between 12,000 and 20,000.
Tens of thousands have been arrested nationwide.
Christians provided food and water to demonstrators despite the risks, according to church leaders like Hormoz Shariat of Iran Alive Ministries.
Believers assisted from diverse Christian backgrounds, including unregistered churches, as the protests expanded across 31 provinces.
At least ten Christians were arrested in three locations in Fars province before January 4, with security forces raiding homes and accusing believers of providing ideological fuel for the protests.
One Christian convert was detained among the mass arrests.
Converts face harsher treatment due to their faith status, as authorities label Farsi-speaking converts as enemies and charge them with national security offenses.
This pattern echoes previous crackdowns in 2019 and 2022, when Christians participated in protests that resulted in hundreds of deaths.
In 2024, Iranian authorities arrested 139 Christians, with 96 sentenced to 263 years in prison—a sixfold increase from 2023.
Church leaders continue calling for international accountability to prevent impunity as the government scapegoats Christians as foreign enemies.
Article18 has urged the international community to recall ambassadors from Iran and pursue justice through appropriate international mechanisms.
The protests originated in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar against failing economic policies before spreading to universities and other cities.
Many Christian leaders urged congregations to provide practical aid and to practice discernment amid fears of reprisals.
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