05/28/2019 Iran (International Christian Concern) –  Just weeks after Iran’s Intelligence Minister voiced concerns about the growth of Christianity and focused “blame” on the clergy class, a member of Iran’s Expediency Council has also voiced concerns.

Seyed-Hashem Bathaee is an Islamic cleric appointed to the Expediency Council, which advises the Supreme Leader. His appointment represents Tehran, Iran’s capitol. Bathaee recently spoke with a state news agency where he says that anyone found guilty of apostasy—leaving Islam—deserves the death penalty no matter gender or age.

This kind public denigration towards Christians is not unusual in Iran, although it does seem to be increasing. Bathaee’s comments, however, do stand out because he points towards corruption as the leading cause of Iranian Muslims converting to Christianity. While he fails to specify the source of corruption, his comments follow a pattern of Iranian leaders publically recognizing that their own corruption has led to discontent among Iran’s population.

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