Photo: CSW
In 2012, Matthias Haghnejad was among three Christian leaders who were charged with "spreading corruption on earth" and "action against national security." As a result, he was sentenced to six years in prison. In December 2014, the Christian man was thankfully acquitted of all charges. For more information on this earlier situation, visit this page.
Despite the positive news of Matthias' acquittal, unfortunately it was not the end of his ordeal. In January 2022 – three weeks after being re-released from prison (where he served an additional three years on a separate charge) – the Christian leader's acquittal relating to the 2014 charges was overturned, and he consequently had been forced to serve his former sentence. In the summer of 2023, the believer was then transferred to a prison located 1,600 kilometres away from his family.
We are thankful to report that Matthias was recently released on December 14th after completing his sentence. Regrettably, another court case against him remains pending, dating back to December 2022 when the Christian leader had been arrested – along with several other church members – during his short furlough from prison.
- Praise God that Matthias was recently released from prison.
- Pray that the Lord will grant this Christian leader peace, guidance and the provisions he now needs to integrate back into Iranian society.
- Please remember to prayerfully uphold the numerous other followers of Jesus who are continuing to serve time in Iranian prisons because of their faith.
- In general, pray for renewed courage, strength and perseverance on behalf of Iranian Christians across the country, so that they will remain steadfastly committed to following Christ in all circumstances.
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