The Rev. Robert Asserian, a pastor at the Central Assemblies of God (AOG) Church in Tehran, was arrested on May 21 while conducting a prayer meeting at the church.
After his arrest, the church’s weekly meetings were cancelled and the church was closed down by the authorities on May 23. Pastor Asserian’s condition, whereabouts and the charges against him remained unknown at time of going to press.
Bible school
Pastor Asserian is an Iranian-Armenian Christian psychologist, author and translator. He is also a member of the governing council of the Central AOG church of Tehran, serving there as a teacher and administrator of the Bible school at the Farsi-speaking church. He has translated numerous valuable Christian theology books, which have been published by domestic publishers in Iran.
Under pressure to close
Prior to the incident, the church’s leadership had been under enormous pressure from the authorities to close down, with particular pressure applied during 2013. The leadership had been informed that they had no right to hold Persian-language services, despite the fact that 95% of the congregation only speak Persian. In October 2009 the church was forced to cease all its Friday services, in an attempt by the authorities to stem the flow of Muslim-background visitors to the church. Until now, the church had continued its other activities and services, despite the increasing threats and pressures.
