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.
Toomaj was initially arrested in October 2022 when his home was searched by Iran's intelligence agents. During the raid, the authorities confiscated the believer's personal items, including several Bibles. Following the initial arrest, Toomaj served more than two months in prison before being released on bail.
The judge's recent ruling regarding Toomaj's case marks the sixth time during the year of 2024 that a Christian in Iran received a prison sentence of at least ten years. Further details on Christian persecution in Iran, along with previous reports covering the cases of other imprisoned believers in this Middle Eastern nation, are available at our country profile.
Prayerfully uphold Toomaj and the many other Iranian Christians who are facing extended prison sentences because of their faith in Jesus. In addition to providing them greatly needed comfort, encouragement and protection during their time in custody, may they also be granted divinely appointed opportunities to boldly share the Good News of Christ with those around them. As for other followers of Jesus in Iran, pray that they too will be equipped with the courage, wisdom and strength that's needed to withstand opposition and effectively serve as "salt" and "light" in their communities, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
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