ISTANBUL (Morning Star News) – Security forces arrested an Iranian pastor in Tehran after raiding his house and pressuring his church to close as a crackdown on Christians intensified ahead of June elections.

Robert Asserian was arrested Tuesday during a prayer meeting at his Central Assemblies of God Church after authorities entered his house and confiscated his computer, books and other belongings, according to advocacy group Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).

Khataza Gondwe, Africa and Middle East director for CSW, told Morning Star News that the use of the Persian language (Farsi) in sermons at the church, which includes Iranians who have converted from Islam and Judaism, makes it a particular target for the government.

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