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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.
These 12 believers had been among a group of more than 20 Christians who were previously detained by Ministry of Intelligence agents in Nowshahr and one of its neighbouring cities, Chalus, last Christmas. Although all 12 of these believers were later released on bail, three of them were rearrested in September and then detained for nearly two months before being freed on November 17th. While in custody, the three rearrested Christians – Jahangir Alikhani, Hamed Malamiri and Gholam Eshaghi – were subjected to torture and asked to write letters renouncing their faith in Jesus.
The same day that the three Christians were released, Javad Amini – another one of the 12 converts – was detained, along with two unnamed women. After posting bail, all three were released on November 27th, the day after the trial. The court session took place in Javad's absence and, at the time of publishing this report, no information has been released regarding the outcome of the trial. For more details on the various challenges being encountered by Christians in Iran, visit our country profile.
Pray that God will intervene in the court case against these believers, working in the hearts of the country's officials so that justice would prevail. Throughout the process, may the Lord minister to each one of these accused Christians, providing them the reassuring peace and confidence they need through His abiding presence. On behalf of the many other followers of Jesus who are currently being imprisoned in Iran, pray that God's grace, strength and encouragement will also sustain them as they await their hopeful soon release. In general, may the Gospel message continue to spread throughout this Middle Eastern country, leading multitudes more to faith in Christ.
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