Maryam and Marzieh

Maryam and Marzieh lived in Iran, where they grew up in Muslim families. On March 5, 2009, they were both arrested and imprisoned. The charges were unclear and only during an interrogation in court on August 9th did it become clear to them that they were imprisoned for converting to the Christian faith, which the government considered an anti-government activist.

Maryam and Marzieh were held in solitary confinement and subjected to hours of blindfolded interrogation. During their time in prison, they lost weight and found themselves unable to get medical attention for illnesses such as severe headaches, and Marzieh had persistent problems with her spine that caused pain, and she had an infection in her teeth. None of the women felt they received adequate medical care for these conditions.

Maryam and Marzieh were both released on November 18, 2009 and were later acquitted of all charges.

Maryam and Marzieh are very grateful that Danish Europamission readers prayed for them and state that the prayers have been crucial for their release and their time in prison.