The wife of an Iranian-Armenian pastor arrested by Ministry of Intelligence agents over two weeks ago remains in solitary confinement in Evin Prison, according to Article18’s sources.

Lida Alexani, 56, whose husband Joseph Shahbazian is also still in Evin Prison after his re-arrest in February, was arrested on 12 April, two days before the funeral of Joseph’s mother, which neither Joseph nor Lida were able to attend.

Joseph’s mother, Jhasmen, for whom he was the primary carer, passed away on 9 April and her funeral was held on 14 April, in the absence of both her son and daughter-in-law.

It had been hoped and expected that Joseph may be released in time for the Iranian New Year last month, and then after his mother’s death, but in spite of a bail amount being set for him of 499 million tomans (around $7,000), he remains in Evin Prison.

Article18 understands that the pastor, who previously spent over a year in prison after being handed a 10-year sentence for his involvement in a house-church, is now in Ward 4 of the prison, after spending nearly two months in solitary confinement.

He reportedly faces charges including “propaganda against the regime”, “propaganda activities contrary to the holy religion of Islam through the establishment and operation of a house-church”, and “acquiring wealth through the illegitimate means of tithes and donations”. 

Article18’s 2025 annual report noted that Christians’ finances are increasingly being targeted, in an apparent “effort to isolate and financially undermine the Christian community as part of a broader strategy to suppress its growth and influence”.

“Making financial donations, charitable offerings, or paying tithes to support church activities are standard practices for Christians worldwide,” the report noted, “but such activities have been criminalised by Iran’s Revolutionary Courts.” 

Joseph reportedly denies the accusations levelled against him, but has been denied access to a lawyer of his choice.

Article18’s sources also report that several Christian friends of Joseph’s – including several present during his first arrest in 2020 – have been called by Ministry of Intelligence (MOIS) officers in recent weeks, in an attempt to gather new evidence against him.

“They tried to force us to cooperate with the MOIS by luring us and even threatening us,” one of the Christians told Article18 on condition of anonymity. “They wanted me to say something untrue against Brother Joseph, so they could build a case against him. The interrogator said, ‘If you don’t help us, we’ll have to resume our unfinished investigation against you!’”