The arrest of Pastor Hamid Pourmand on September 9, 2004 has culminated in his being sentenced to three years in military prison, convicted of deceiving the military by not declaring that he was a Christian. According to Iranian military regulations, non-Muslims are forbidden from serving as a military officer. However, because of his reputation within the military, Pourmand's superiors apparently made an exception when he was promoted. In his trial, Pourmand's lawyer presented documents proving that military officials were aware of his Christian faith. However, according to a February 17 report from Compass Direct, the judge rejected these documents as falsified.
As a consequence of his conviction, Pourmand has been removed from the Iranian military. All income for his family is gone, along with a military pension for nearly twenty years of service. His wife and two children must leave the military housing within the next few days, leaving the family with no income and no home.
Pourmand's lawyer intends to appeal the conviction, as well as fight efforts to have him tried in sharia court on charges of apostasy and proselytizing; crimes which can result in the death penalty. Pourmand converted from Islam to Christianity 25 years ago. He has been serving as the pastor of an Assemblies of God congregation in Bandar-i Bushehr.
Pray that Pastor Pourmand will not have to face charges of apostasy and proselytizing. Pray for protection and strength as he endures prison. Pray for provision for his family during this time.
For more information the persecution facing Christians in Iran, click here.
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