In early July, we sent out a request for prayer for three Iranian Christian converts who had each just received a 5-year prison sentence. Now the sentence has been reduced on appeal - and once again we are confirmed that prayer makes a difference. This is according to Danish European Mission's partners Middle East Concern.
At a hearing in the city of Karaj, Iran, on August 25, the convictions of Christian converts Amin Khaki, Milad Goudarzi and Alireza Nourmohammadi were upheld, but their sentences were reduced from five to three years.
On June 26 this year, Amin, Milad and Alireza were informed that they would each receive the maximum penalty of five years in prison under the newly adopted Article 500 of the Penal Code for "propaganda against Islam, the holy religion" and that they would be fined 40 million tomans (approximately USD 1600).
On November 11, 2020, Iranian intelligence agents raided their homes and those of several other converts, confiscating Bibles, cell phones and computers. No one was arrested at the time, but the Christians continued to be harassed and were ordered to refrain from Christian activities. All converts refused to follow the order.
The three Iranian Christians are happy that the sentence has been reduced, but the sentence remains wrong.
Christians in Iran ask for our prayers for:
- that God will strengthen and encourage Amin, Milad and Alireza now that the verdict has been confirmed, and that they and their families will be able to experience The peace that passes all understanding.
- that they must be prepared to be summoned to prison
- Iranian authorities stop violating international law when they persecute the peaceful religious practices of religious minorities.
