Religious freedom in Iran

Iran (AKA: Persia; officially called the Islamic Republic of Iran). With over 81 million inhabitants, Iran is the world's 18th-most-populous country. Comprising a land area of 636,372 sq mi, it is the second-largest country in the Middle East and the 17th-largest in the world.
Arab Muslims conquered the empire in the seventh century CE, displacing the indigenous faiths of Zoroastrianism and Manichaeism with Islam. Iran made major contributions to the Islamic Golden Age that followed, producing many influential figures in art and science. After two centuries, a period of various native Muslim dynasties began, which were later conquered by the Turks and the Mongols.
== Morality police ==
=== Christian house churches outlawed ===
* Christians in Iran Seized from Homes, including Violent Imprisonment of Pastor - Pastor Nadarkhani, a convert from Islam like the others arrested, was awaiting a summons to begin a 10-year prison sentence after his appeal of a conviction for “propagating house churches” and promoting “Zionist Christianity” was upheld in May. On 22 August 2018, 12 Christians were sentenced by the Iranian Court to serve 1-year prison time for the crime of House Church Worship and Evangelism for doing nothing more than holding a Christian home church.Iran Sentences 12 Christians to Year in Prison for House Church Worship, Evangelism - Christian Post
=== Hijab enforcement ===
The government sponsored morality police frequently harasses and beats women for not properly wearing the hijab. More of these incidents are captured on camera.
* Al Arabaya - Iranian policewoman attacks student because of her hijab.
* Iranian woman given 20 Year Sentence for removing Hijab - Associated Press
=== No dancing rule ===
The Morality police routinely attempt to crack down on dancing as a method of celebration and joyful expression. 2018 saw the case of a popular female blogger forced to make a confession on state TV for participating in this criminal activity.
* What the arrest of an 18-year-old Instagram star says about Iran’s backward leaders - Washington Post 12-July-2018
* Iranian TV Broadcast - original broadcast by Iranian State TV proves that Islamic Leaders condemn dancing and are restricting freedom of expression. 12-Jul-2018.
== References ==
Category:Iran
Category:Religious freedom