Retrial Ordered for Sara and Homayoun

Sara Ahmadi and Homayoun Zhaveh, a Christian couple who had been detained since last August, were informed on April 9th that their third application for a retrial was accepted by Iran's Supreme Court. The first two applications, both filed in 2021, were rejected.

The Iranian believers were convicted in November 2020 because of their membership with a house church. Homayoun, who suffers from advanced Parkinson's disease, was sentenced to two years in prison, and his wife Sara to eight years (see this page for more details).

After their conviction, these Christians were told to await an order to report to prison. After months of waiting, they were summoned to the administrative office of Evin Prison in August 2022. Believing they were going to collect their confiscated personal property, Sara and Homayoun went to the prison, only to be unexpectedly taken into custody. They have remained in prison since (read more).

Sara and Homayoun's case will be reviewed by Tehran's appeal court on May 9th. Due to Homayoun's serious health condition (prior to their arrests, Sara was his caregiver), relatives and friends have been very concerned for the couple. They are hopeful, however, that the retrial will bring about positive results.

Remember to pray for Sara and Homayoun as they patiently remain in prison, asking the Lord to strengthen them – in spirit, soul and body – and to provide for all of Homayoun's medical needs. May God's Holy Spirit also work deeply in the hearts and minds of the judges, so that this Christian couple will be justly acquitted and released from prison. Also intercede on behalf of the many other followers of Jesus who are presently serving time in Iranian jails because of their faith. May they too experience the sustaining comfort and strength of their loving Heavenly Father, knowing that He is trustworthy and faithful.