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Mary Mohammadi was initially arrested at the age of 19 after converting from Islam to Christianity at a house church meeting. The young Christian woman was subsequently imprisoned for six months in Tehran's Evin Prison. Following her release, she was convicted again in 2020; this second time, receiving a suspended sentence – along with 10 lashes – on charges of "disturbing public order." Despite the ongoing persecution from Iranian authorities, Mary has remained steadfast in her faith. In 2023, she was honoured with the St. Stephen's Award for Persecuted Christians in recognition of her courage and selflessness.
In a recent disturbing turn of events, Mary mysteriously disappeared in late February while travelling from Tehran to Ahvaz. All communication with her family and friends was cut off, and authorities have refused to answer any questions regarding her whereabouts. According to information obtained by Amnesty International, she was initially held by the Ministry of Intelligence before being transferred to an undisclosed location on April 2nd.
Sadly, Mary's situation is not uncommon. Iranian authorities frequently refuse to disclose the whereabouts of detainees, leaving families in distressing uncertainty and raising serious concerns about the potential abuse of imprisoned victims. More information on the difficulties facing Christians in Iran may be reviewed at our country profile.
- Pray that Mary's whereabouts will be made known, and that she would be safely released from enforced captivity.
- In the interim, may the Lord strengthen, protect and encourage this young Iranian woman throughout every moment of her incarceration, allowing His light to shine brightly through her dedicated Christian life, so that the hearts of all those around her – including Iran's officials and prison guards – will be touched by His tremendous love for them and His provision of eternal salvation.
- Also prayerfully uplift Mary's family and others who are facing similar uncertainties in Iran, asking that they too would be comforted and sustained, in hopes that justice, compassion and meaningful change will take place within their war-torn nation.
