| Central Asia
Further to our report in November concerning the arrest of a Christian leader following a raid on a church gathering, we can report that this man appeared in court during December to answer charges relating to leading an illegal religious gathering. He was convicted and fined the equivalent of £550. For security reasons we are withholding the location and identities of those involved.
Iran
As you pray over the situation across Iran, please also remember imprisoned Christians and the believers who started their prison sentences over the Christmas and New Year period. Nayereh Arjaneh started a 10-year sentence for her activities as a Christian on 23 December. Mahmoud and Mansour Mardani-Kharaji, both Christian converts in their fifties, entered prison on 16 and 20 December, respectively.
Nigeria
A further thirteen Christians in Benue state have died since 5 January in attacks believed to be perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen. Most recently, four Christians were shot and killed in Otobi Akpa village during an attack around midnight on 12 January. Nine other believers were killed while working their farms between 5 and 6 January. |