Three imprisoned Christians released!


Pastor Vahik Abrahamian
remains imprisoned.
(Photo: Middle East Concern)

Three Iranian believers were set free on April 30, after 239 days in prison. A fourth, Pastor Vahik Abrahamian, who was arrested at the same time, remains in custody. On April 28, Arash Kermanjani, his wife Arezou Teimouri and Sonia Keshish-Avanesian were brought before a judge. Their lawyers were asked to present their cases. Unexpectedly, they were set free. It is unclear whether the charges against them have been dropped or whether they will face further hearings. Sonia is uncertain why her husband was not freed at the same time, and she is extremely worried about him.

The two couples were detained on September 4, 2010, in Hamadan. They have been accused of various offenses, including propagating Christianity, opposing the Islamic Republic of Iran and having contact with exiled opposition figures. Several others detained at the same time are understood to have been released within several weeks.

Praise the Lord for the release of Arash, Arezou and Sonia! Please pray for Pastor Vahik. Pray he will know the peace and presence of Jesus and be an effective pastor to those around him. Pray those released will know the healing touch and close presence of Jesus. Pray all charges against them will be dropped. Pray, too, that all involved officials will act justly, learn about Jesus and choose to follow him.

For more information about persecuted Christians in Iran, visit the Iran Country Report.

  • 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.

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Iran News

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