Habib, Sasan, Sasan's wife Marjan, Sasan's brother Sam and his wife Maryam, Pooriya and his wife Fatemeh, and Sam and Sasan's elderly mother Khatoon, were arrested in Bushehr in southern Iran on July 1, 2019.
In June 2020, all but Khatoon were convicted of "propaganda against the state by promoting Christianity" under Article 500 of the Penal Code. They received a range of sentences, including fines and work bans. Sam, Sasan and Habib were each sentenced to one year in prison, which they appealed. The Court of Appeal upheld the sentences on January 27.
Habib and Sasan began serving their prison sentences in Bushehr Central Prison on February 8, 2021. In March, they were allowed to return home on temporary leave, which was extended until last week when BushehrThe court ordered them to return to prison on November 11. Sasan also faces a two-year exile from Bushehr after his release from prison.
Sasan and Habib are very grateful to God that they have been able to extend their leave for so long and thank the church for supporting them in prayer.
Further intercession is requested to:
- God will comfort and encourage Sasan and Habib when they return to prison
- God will watch over their families and keep them in his love and peace.
- Iranian authorities will respect the different religious communities, uphold their religious freedom and refrain from oppressing them
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