Christians in Iran Face Lashes for Drinking Communion Wine

Three Christians converts in Iran face a possible sentence of 10 to 100 lashes for drinking communion wine during a mass, as reported by the UK Express.

Drinking alcohol of any kind is forbidden in the Islamic Republic, which follows strict sharia law, even though it is believed that a significant percentage of the population does drink alcohol at home.

Yasser Mossayebzadeh, Saheb Fadaie and Mohammad Reza Omidi were arrested with the pastor and his wife. While the latter two were released, the three remain in prison and have been charged with “acting against national security.”

The three, who were arrested in May, are scheduled to appear in court next week and may face punishment immediately in a police station if convicted. Lashing in Iran is carried out with a three-foot long whip across the back. It is said that many people faint after eight lashes due to the pain.

Other offenses in Iran that can be punished with lashings include adultery, kissing in public, homosexuality and blasphemy.

Source: Christians in Iran Face Lashes for Drinking Communion Wine