Iranian Christians are asking for prayers for Milad Goodarzi, whose home in Karaj was raided today (December 11, 2023) by four members of the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence. This is according to Danish European Mission's project partner Middle East Concern.
Milad was arrested and has been taken to an unknown destination. Milad had been released from Karaj Central Prison in March 2023 as part of a general amnesty granted to prisoners on the 44th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.
He served a three-year prison sentence (reduced from five years on appeal) after being convicted in June 2021 for "conducting propaganda against the Islamic Republic" under the recently amended Article 500 of the Penal Code.
Milad had already served a four-month prison sentence in 2020 for the same charge. The 2021 amendments to Article 500 increased the maximum prison sentence from one to five years.
Milad is one of the first Christian converts to be punished for peacefully expressing his faith under the new regulations.
Please request that:
- God will support Milad during the interrogation and give him wisdom in his answers,
- God will encourage and comfort Milad's family,
- No new charges will be brought against Milad because of his faith and related activities,
- The Iranian authorities will stop harassing and persecuting their citizens because of their religious beliefs.
Donors to the Danish European Mission ensure that families of Christian prisoners of conscience in Iran receive financial support. Prisoners of conscience are unable to contribute financially to their families and are therefore in a difficult situation. Through the Danish European Mission, you can provide food, medical care and support to cover the costs of rent, water, electricity and heating to families in Iran where one spouse is imprisoned for their Christian faith.
