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On October 21st, 2025, five Iranian Christians were sentenced to lengthy prison terms. Among those convicted was Pastor Joseph Shahbazian, who received a 16-year sentence for leading a house church; and his wife, Lida Alexani, who had been sentenced to 13 years' imprisonment. (Review a previously posted Persecution & Prayer Alert report on these Iranian believers' initial sentences.)
While Pastor Joseph and fellow believer Nasser Navard Gol-Tapeh have both been imprisoned since February of 2025 (prior to the official October 2025 sentencing), Lida and the other two convicted women were freed on bail. However, on October 9th of this year – almost 12 months after her initial conviction – Lida was summoned to report to the officials of Evin Prison where she has been ordered to begin serving her sentence. The charges against her include "deviant proselytizing" and "gathering and collusion."
Added Note: Some of the details pertaining to the prison sentences of these Iranian Christians have varied over the past year without clear explanations. The information included in this week's "Persecution & Prayer Alert" report indicates the latest numbers available.
- Pray that Lida would experience a keen awareness of God's abiding presence with her throughout this difficult season, along with the assurance that He will protect and sustain her physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually as she begins serving her prison sentence.
- In the meantime, please pray for the safe release of all five imprisoned Iranian believers, asking the Lord to intervene on their behalf by touching the hearts and minds of the country's national leaders and those administering in other levels of governance.
- Overall, may the Holy Spirit continue moving powerfully throughout the nation of Iran, drawing many more people to faith in Christ while providing opportunities for believers to worship and serve Him freely without any restraint, risk of imprisonment, or threat of death.
