The couple was initially arrested by Iranian intelligence in June 2019. Homayoun was released after a month, while Sara spent 67 days in detention. Half of the time she was in solitary confinement, where she experienced extreme psychological pressure. This is according to Danish European Mission's partner Middle East Concern.
In November 2020, Sara was sentenced to 11 years in prison for her alleged leadership role in a house church, and Homayoun two years for membership of the house church. The sentence also included a two-year ban on traveling abroad, a two-year ban on membership of any social or political group and six months of community service.
After an appeal, the verdict was upheld in December 2020, but Sara's prison sentence was reduced to eight years. The couple's lawyer requested a retrial, but in June 2021, the Supreme Court rejected the application.
Homayoun and Sara expected to serve their prison sentence on June 15, 2021, but when they showed up at Evin prison, they were told they could return home until further notice.
On August 13, 2022, Homayoun and Sara answered a summons to the prison with the expectation of having confiscated belongings returned. Instead, they were both detained.
Friends of the couple are worried about them. Especially for Homayoun, who suffers from advanced Parkinson's disease.
Feel free to ask for:
- That God will comfort, support and strengthen Homayoun and Sara during this difficult time
- That their harsh sentence will be reviewed, especially since Homayoun's health is poor, and that they will be acquitted.
- That the Iranian authorities will stop the persecution of their citizens for their peaceful religious practices
