Released from Prison!

Hadi Asgari - World Watch Monitor
Photo: World Watch Monitor

Iranian Christians are thanking God that Hadi Asgari, a Christian convert, has been granted conditional release after 19 months in prison. Hadi was arrested in August 2016 when security officials interrupted a picnic gathering involving a number of Christians. He and Pastor Victor Bet Tamraz were sentenced to 10 years for "acting against national security." Another convert, Amin Nader Afshari, was sentenced to 15 years for the same charges.

While Hadi has been released on bail, Pastor Victor and Amin remain in the notorious Evin Prison. While they await their upcoming appeal hearings, please pray for their protection. Also intercede for Hadi's continued healing and restoration as he adjusts to life out of prison. May the appeals be successful and the sentences revoked.

  • 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

  • Twelve Christians Face Trial
    Javad Amini is beside a body of water with trees on the distance.
    Javad Amini
    Photo: Article18

    On November 26th, 12 Christian converts faced trial in Nowshahr, a northern Iranian city located along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea. The believers were charged with "propagation of the religions that [conflict with] Islam" and "collaborating with foreign governments." In the indictment, the prosecutor stated that the 12 individuals had identified themselves as Christians. The indictment further explained that because the accused followers of Jesus had formed groups to teach Christianity, they were guilty of religious propagation.

    Read more...

  • Christian Convert Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison
    A small group of Christians is on their knees, heads bowed in prayer.
    Christians in Iran.
    Photo: VOMC

    A Christian convert identified as Toomaj Aryan-Kia has been sentenced to ten years in prison for allegedly committing the following offenses: 1) "propaganda"; 2) collaborating with the "hostile governments" of Israel, the United Kingdom and United States; and 3) holding a membership with "anti-regime groups." Along with administering the recently applied prison sentence, Judge Mostafa Narimani banned the Christian man from having any affiliations with a group for an additional two years following his release. Although Toomaj has appealed the sentence, his request for a retrial was denied.

    Read more...

  • Imprisoned Christians Released!
    Anooshavan Avedian & Mehdi
    Pastor Anooshavan Avedian and Mehdi "Yasser" Akbari
    Photos: Article 18

    With thankfulness to God for His faithfulness, we are pleased to announce that the following two believers, both of whom were imprisoned for their faith in Iran, have been released during recent days:

    Read more...

  • Christian Woman Threatened with Second Conviction
    Several people are milling about the entry to Evin Prison.
    Evin Prison, where Laleh is being held.
    Photo: Flickr / sbzphoto (cc)
     

    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.

    Read more...

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