The state news agency IRNA described in a press release that "tens of thousands" of prisoners have been pardoned - with particular reference to the many detained after the recent protests. It is hoped that other Christian converts who have served a significant portion of their prison sentences will also be included in the pardon. This is according to Danish European Mission's partner Middle East Concern.
Zaman was arrested in May 2016 along with pastor Yousef Nadarkhani and Yousef's wife Tina and two other Christian converts. In September 2016, he was sentenced to receive 80 lashes for drinking wine during communion - a sentence that was carried out in November 2020. In June 2017, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison for "acting against national security by propagating house churches and promoting Zionist Christianity."
After a review of the sentence, Zaman's prison sentence was reduced to six years in June 2020.
Zaman's friends rejoice at his release and ask for prayers for his release:
- Zaman may have a blessed time reuniting with his family
- Zaman needs to find a job - he previously worked as a painter and decorator
- Other Christians, including pastor Yousef Nadarkhani, must also be pardoned and released from prison
