He was arrested on December 27, 2012 in Tehran and on June 9, he went on trial for allegedly "participating in an illegal assembly and attending a house church". On July 31, his lawyer was handed an eight-page document stating that Mostafa had been found guilty and sentenced to ten years in prison. The document listed the various charges and the evidence for each charge. His lawyer appealed the case.
We are pleased to announce that they won the appeal. The appeal hearing was held on October 30 and Mostafa was given the opportunity to respond to all the charges against him. The court decided to withdraw all charges and he was released from Evin prison on November 3.
Across Iran, many other believers are still imprisoned or waiting for a hearing or decision on their appeal.
The Christians who have supported Mostafa rejoice at his release and thank us for our prayers. They ask for our continued prayers for:
- That Mostafa may experience the presence and peace of Jesus every day in his efforts to return to a normal life.
- That everyone who currently has a lawsuit pending against them may experience the guiding wisdom of the Holy Spirit that charges may be dropped or they may be acquitted and bail money may be returned.
- That mercy may be shown to those whose appeals have been rejected and that they may be released soon.
- That all officials involved must love mercy, act justly, learn about Jesus and choose to follow Him.
- That Hassan Rouhani, who was elected President of Iran in June, must live up to his campaign promises to improve the way the state respects the rights and freedom of all Iranian citizens.
(Source: HRANA, Mohabat News)
