Indian National Sentenced

On March 25, Brian O'Connor, an Indian national working in Saudi Arabia, was arrested on charges of possessing Bibles, preaching Christianity as well as false charges of selling alcohol and possession of pornography. O'Connor admits that he had been leading Bible studies in his home for expatriates only.

On October 20, O'Connor was notified that he had been found guilty of the alcohol charges and was sentenced to three additional months in prison (beyond the seven he has already served) as well as three hundred lashes. No mention was made of the religious charges. He was also warned that if he appealed, the sentence would most likely increase. O'Connor was given ten days to accept the verdict but he refused, effectively appealing the decision.

Continue to pray for Brian O'Connor, that he will stand firm in his faith and resolve, despite the threats and opposition that he faces. Pray for the continued testimony in his life throughout this ordeal.

For more information on the oppression facing Christians in Saudi Arabia, click here.

  • Country Information

    Population
    35,939,806 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Arab (90), Afro-Asian (10)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (official: 100)

    Leader
    King and Prime Minister Salman bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (2015)

    Government type
    Absolute monarchy

    Legal system
    Islamic (sharia) legal system with some elements of Egyptian, French, and customary law; note - several secular codes have been introduced; commercial disputes handled by special committees

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Saudi Arabia

    Please uphold the Christians of Saudi Arabia, who must secretly serve God in a country where intolerance and violence pose threats to their freedom of worship and personal belief in our Lord Jesus. May He personally take up their cause, working out His very best plans for their lives and future ( Jeremiah 29:11). Pray that He will touch the hearts of the country's authorities – and many others in Saudi Arabia and its surrounding nations – through the Internet and VOMC's evangelistic radio broadcast so that they may experience His wonderful plan of salvation as well.

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Saudi Arabia News

  • Christian Escapes the Country
    A road in Saudi Arabia - Photo: Unsplash / Abdulla Dhahri

    Over the past several months, Christians around the world have been following reports about a Saudi Arabian Christian referred to as "A" or "Adam." For more information, see our previously published reports, which are available at our country report.

    Read more...

  • Believer's Family Escapes into Exile
    Man praying with mosque in the background
    Pray that Christians will experience the Lord's peace and strength.

    A Christian believer in Saudi Arabia, who was identified in previous Persecution & Prayer Alert reports as "A" or "Adam," has been sentenced with a large fine for allegedly attempting to convert Muslims to Christianity, as well as assisting his sister to flee the country. The accused believer was given 30 days to pay the fine unless an appeal was granted. (For more details about this situation, see this page.)

    Read more...

  • Believer Faces Hefty Fine for Assisting Others
    A man in the desert.
    Pray that Saudi believers will know they are never alone.

    A court in Saudi Arabia has recently imposed a hefty fine of 300,000 SAR (which converted equates to approximately $97,000 CAD) on a Christian man who can only be identified as "A" or "Adam" for security reasons. He has been given 30 days to pay the fine unless an appeal is granted within that time.

    Read more...

  • Christian Man's Wife Seized by Opposing Family
    Woman by a window
    Pray that "A's" wife and others like her will experience the compassion of our Heavenly Father.

    A Saudi believer identified only as "A" has been facing legal challenges after openly speaking about his conversion to Christianity, as well as assisting his Christian sister to flee the country (read more). While frivolous charges of theft against him were dropped in April (see report here), he continues to endure further court challenges and added personal concerns. His next court hearing is scheduled for May 30th.

    Read more...

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