Iran Security Forces Target Kids in Brutal Crackdowns: Mission Network News

by Katey Hearth

Iran (MNN) — A new report from Human Rights Watch describes the brutal extent of Iran’s recent crackdown. Security forces killed, tortured, and sexually assaulted children to stop mass protests last fall.

In one case, a 13-year-old boy sustained a broken rib after police beat him, and authorities refused medical care. An Iranian lawyer says 28 children have been charged with crimes punishable by death or amputation.

“I hear a lot of hostility and resentment [towards the government] from the people in Iran,” Transform Iran’s Lana Silk says.

Despite all that’s happened in the last six months, the government refuses to listen. Not only that, they’re increasing their grip on the population.

As Iran tries to rule its people by fear, Iranians seek alternatives.

“It is so important to be there, ready with the truth when people are looking for it, and we are presenting the Gospel in constant, accessible ways,” Silk says.

At the same time, “cults are there, ready with false doctrines that pretend to bring people to the truth. But really, they’re taking them off track.”

Help believers shine the light of Jesus boldly in Iran. Pray the Holy Spirit will help people realize that only Jesus can save them.

“When we go witnessing in countries where Iranians are tourists, or even in Iran, we are there together with the Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Mormons, and a whole lot of other alternatives offered to Iranians as an escape,” Silk says.

“That’s why it’s essential that we are present, and we have Bibles in hand, ready to bring people to the only [One who] can save them.”

Header image depicts an impoverished young boy sitting in a cart in Tehran. (Photo courtesy of Fateme Alaie/Unsplash)

Originally posted on: Mission Network News.