On May 9, the Court of Appeal in Tehran reviewed the couple's prison sentences and ruled that they should be released. This is according to the Danish European Mission's partner, Middle East Concern.
The Court of Appeal judge found no indication that Homayoun and Sara had acted against national security and stated that, "organizing home groups to promote Christianity and membership and participation in home groups are not considered acts against national security and the law has not recognized them as criminally active."
Read also: Iran: Christian couple detained in Evin prison
Homayoun and Sara were first arrested in June 2019. In November 2020, Sara was sentenced to 11 years in prison for her alleged role in leading a house church (reduced to 8 years on appeal). Homayoun was sentenced to two years for membership of the house church. The sentences also included a two-year ban on foreign travel, a two-year ban on membership of any social or political group and six months of community service.
Homayoun and Sara reported to Evin prison on June 15, 2021, but were told they could return home until further notice. On August 13, 2022, the couple were summoned to the prison, expecting the return of confiscated property, but were both detained. There has been great concern for Homayoun as he has advanced Parkinson's.
Iranian Christians are grateful for Homayoun and Sara's acquittaland release, and that the judge recognized that gatherings in Christian home groups are not considered a crime.
Intercession is requested that:
- Homayoun and Sara will recover from their ordeal
- That the appeal decision will set a precedent in the Iranian judiciary when Christians are brought to trial
- The Iranian authorities want to stop the criminalization of followers of faiths outside Shia Islam.
