Reports received by Iran International say the Islamic Republic has arrested five Jewish citizens amid nationwide protests against the regime.

Four of these citizens have been detained in Tehran and one came under arrest in the southern city of Shiraz in the past few weeks, Iran International has learned.

Reports say despite the Jewish community leaders’ efforts, only one of the inmates has been released so far.

In the early days of antigovernment protests, the leaders of the Jewish community in Iran called on their members not to participate in the protests.

In an unprecedented move, they also asked Jews not to come to the synagogues to practice religious ceremonies.

Meanwhile, some leaders of the Jewish community of Iran, under the pressure of security forces, have reportedly warned Jews in the synagogues that they should not participate in protests and if they are apprehended, they will not take any action to release them.

In this regard, Tehran Jewish Community published an unprecedented statement late November to condemn the uprising against clerical rulers.

The United States on December 2 designated China, Iran and Russia, among others, as countries of particular concern under the Religious Freedom Act over severe violations.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement said those designated as countries of particular concern engaged in or tolerated severe violations of religious freedom.