In February 2012, Farshid Fathi was sentenced to six years in prison, which he is currently serving. He was convicted for sharing the gospel to convert Muslims to the Christian faith.
He was first held in Evin prison and on August 19, 2014 he was transferred to Rajah Shahr prison. On December 29, 2014, Farshid was given another one-year sentence after alcohol was found during a raid on his ward in Evin prison in April 2014. Prison guards claim it belonged to Farshid, which he vehemently denies.
The extra year added to the existing sentence means that he will not be released until December 2017 instead of December 2016, according to Danish European Mission's partner Middle East Concern.
Farshid's lawyer appealed the sentence, but on May 24, 2015, the appeal was rejected and it was announced that Farshid and another Christian (Alireza Sayyedian) had been transferred to Hall 2 of Ward 1 in Rajah Shahr Prison.
According to a relative, conditions in Hall 2 are not good. The two men are now in prison together with prisoners convicted of robbery, violence and drug offenses.
Farshid knows Danmark
Farshid knows Danmark, which he visited in 2005 after many Danes supported a large relief effort through the Danish European Mission, where Christian Iranians gave aid to the victims of the 2004 Bam earthquake.
Farshid helped distribute the aid and help the victims.
Christians in Iran are asking for prayers for:
- That Farshid doesn't lose heart after his appeal was denied, and that he may experience peace and encouragement through the presence of God.
- That Farshid and Alireza must be protected from danger in the new ward, build good friendships with the other inmates and be able to encourage them.
- That the judicial system in Iran must be fair in judging appeals from Christians and other prisoners.
- That Farshid, Alireza and others imprisoned for their faith or moral convictions may be released soon.
- That all officials involved must love mercy, act justly, learn about Jesus and choose to follow Him.
