Christian Couple Detained

Homayoun Zhaveh and his wife Sara Ahmadi have faced legal difficulties since June 2019 because of their faith. In November 2020, Sara was sentenced to 11 years in prison for her alleged role in leading a house church. Homayoun was sentenced to two years for his membership with the church. Upon appeal, Sara's sentence was reduced to eight years. After their case was rejected by the Supreme Court of Iran, they expected to start serving their sentences in June 2021. However, when they presented themselves to Evin Prison, they were told to return home. (More details are available here.)

For more than a year, the couple has been living in uncertainty. This has been further compounded by the fact that Homayoun suffers from advanced Parkinson's disease and Sara is his primary caregiver. On August 13th, Sara and Homayoun were summoned to the administrative office of Evin Prison. They went expecting that their previously confiscated personal property would be returned to them. Upon arrival, however, they were both taken into custody without forewarning.

At last report, the only contact made by these imprisoned Christians was when Homayoun called relatives, asking them to collect their car which was left outside the prison. The advocacy director for Article18, Mansour Borji, expressed his dismay and concern over their imprisonment. "We can only speculate on why this has happened," he announced. "But it is nevertheless extremely concerning that an elderly man with an extremely serious health condition has been detained.... There is every chance, unfortunately, that the stress of their detention will make Homayoun's condition worse."

Please prayerfully uplift this dear couple before God's throne of grace, asking Him to strengthen them in every area of their lives – spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically – especially during their time of need. In fact, may Homayoun experience a special touch from the Master Physician, who has the power to heal him of Parkinson's disease – whether it be instantaneously or gradually; divinely or through gifted medical professionals. Continue to intercede for the governmental and judicial leaders of Iran, that they will extend mercy and justice towards this elderly couple, and many other citizens who are being persecuted for their faith throughout the country.