Punished for Delayed Medical Leave

Release International 23 February 2017

Maryam Naghash Zargaran (Open Doors)
Maryam Naghash Zargaran
Photo: Open Doors

Iranian Christian Maryam Naghash Zargaran returned to Evin Prison on December 5th, 2016 after medical parole -- only to be told on arrival that her overall sentence term had been extended by an additional 45 days. Prison officials punished her for not returning on time.

After being granted a five-day leave, which was extended by a court ruling, Maryam's plea for conditional release was rejected. The young woman's health remains a serious concern despite various periods of medical leave. For previous reports on Maryam's situation, click here.

Please pray that God would strengthen and heal Maryam -- physically as well as spiritually. May He surround her with His love, comfort and peace in the midst of a very difficult and dark place during her remaining prison term. Similar to the case of the Biblical character Joseph, may she receive mercy, kindness and favour from the prison officials and also the prisoners. May the Lord's light shine brightly in Evin Prison -- and through Maryam's life -- revealing His truth, righteousness and powerful transforming love.

2017-02-23

Current Ministry Fund
By funding television broadcasts, VOMC is making it possible for a vast audience of viewers to be reached throughout Iran with the "Good News" of Jesus' love via satellite.

Project Fund: Underground Church
Country Information
Designation
Persecuted

Population
87,590,873 (2023 est.)

Ethnicity
Persian, Azeri, Kurd, Lur, Baloch, Arab, Turkmen and Turkic tribes

Religion (%)
Islam (98.5), Christian (0.7), Baha'i (0.3), agnostic (0.3), other (0.2)

Leader
Ayatollah Ali Hoseini-Khamenei (1989)

Government type
Theocratic republic

Legal system
Religious legal system based on secular and Islamic law

Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for Iran
As the Gospel message goes forth over the airwaves, may the growth of the church continue to multiply despite persecution. Pray that the Iranian government will be open to change, allowing full rights and protection for its non-Muslim citizens as well. In the meantime, may those who are forced to flee the country find safe refuge and help so they can live in peace and worship the Lord with freedom.