Imprisoned Believer Released on Parole

Mojtaba Hosseini, among others
who were imprisoned with him.
Photo: Mohabat News

A Christian man was recently released on parole from Shiraz prison after spending over three years behind bars for his Christian activities.

Mojtaba Hosseini was finally freed on March 18th from Adel Abad prison where he had been imprisoned since February of 2012. He was serving a 44-month sentence for "disrupting national security" and "propaganda against the regime" -- charges which related to his involvement in a house church, evangelism, and contact with Christians outside of Iran. (For more information on these charges, you can read our previous prayer alert.)

Join us in praising God for the release of this brother in Christ! Ask the Lord to now give Mojtaba ongoing strength as he recovers from his three-year time in prison, courage to continue worshipping despite the risks, and wisdom to discern his next steps. Please also intercede for the release of other Iranian Christians who remain imprisoned, including Farshid Fathi and Saeed Abedini.

To learn more about the trials our Christian family endures in Iran, visit our website.

  • 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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    After living abroad for a period of time, Laleh Saati returned to her home country of Iran in 2017 to care for her elderly parents. However, in February 2024, Laleh was arrested because she had converted to Christianity while living in Malaysia. This Iranian follower of Jesus was sentenced to two years in prison for "acting against national security by connecting with 'Zionist' Christian organizations." For more details on her case, see this report.

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