Two Christians Released from Prison


Farhad Sabokrouh and Naser Zamen-Dezfuli
Photo: Mohabat News

On December 4th, two Iranian believers -- Pastor Farhad Sabokrouh and Naser Zamen-Dezfuli -- were released from prison after being incarcerated for more than 200 days.

The men were apprehended on December 23rd, 2011, after authorities raided a Christmas celebration held at their registered church and arrested all in attendance, including children. Several hours later, most were released except for Pastor Farhad, his wife Shahnaz Jayzan, Naser Zamen-Dezfuli, and another church member by the name of Davoud Alijani.

The four were later released on bail. However, in October of 2012, they were each sentenced to one year in prison for "converting to Christianity, inviting Muslims to convert and acting against state security through evangelistic activities." These believers were summoned to court on May 1st, 2013, to begin serving their sentences. At last report, Davoud and Shahnaz remain in prison and it is unclear whether they will be released as well.

Praise God for this answer to prayer! Pray that as Pastor Farhad and Naser recover from their ordeal, the Lord will grant them ongoing grace and strength. May He also protect them from further opposition. Pray, too, that their testimonies will demonstrate to unbelievers the love and faithfulness of our God. Remember Davoud and Shahnaz in your prayers as well. Whether imprisoned or free, may they remain steadfast in their faith and rejoice in the gift of our Saviour, Jesus, who has promised to never leave them or forsake them (Hebrews 13:5).

  • Current Ministry Fund

    By funding television broadcasts, VOMC is making it possible for a vast audience of viewers to be reached throughout Iran with the "Good News" of Jesus' love via satellite.

    Project Fund: Underground Church

  • Country Information

    Designation
    Persecuted

    Population
    87,590,873 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity
    Persian, Azeri, Kurd, Lur, Baloch, Arab, Turkmen and Turkic tribes

    Religion (%)
    Islam (98.5), Christian (0.7), Baha'i (0.3), agnostic (0.3), other (0.2)

    Leader
    Ayatollah Ali Hoseini-Khamenei (1989)

    Government type
    Theocratic republic

    Legal system
    Religious legal system based on secular and Islamic law

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Iran

    As the Gospel message goes forth over the airwaves, may the growth of the church continue to multiply despite persecution. Pray that the Iranian government will be open to change, allowing full rights and protection for its non-Muslim citizens as well. In the meantime, may those who are forced to flee the country find safe refuge and help so they can live in peace and worship the Lord with freedom.

Iran News

  • Retrial Denied for Imprisoned Believer
    Mehran
    Mehran Shamloui
    Photo: Article 18

    Iran's Supreme Court has recently rejected the application for a retrial that was submitted on behalf of Mehran Shamloui, a Christian believer who is currently serving a ten-year prison sentence for his participation in house church activities. Recipients of previously published Persecution & Prayer Alert reports may recall that Mehran had fled to Türkiye in search of refuge. While there, the accused Iranian was apprehended and forced to return to Iran, where he had subsequently been arrested. (The initially posted report regarding Mehran's arrest may be reviewed here.)

  • Over 50 Arrested Christians Accused of Espionage
    A map of Iran has several labels, all showing where Christians were arrested since June 24, 2025.
    A map of Iran, marking the arrests
    of Christians since June 24, 2025. 
    (Click on the image for a larger view.)
    Photo: Article18

    Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) recently reported that over 50 Christians have been arrested since the end of the recent conflict between Iran and Israel in June 2025. The country's intelligence agency labelled the detained believers as "Mossad mercenaries," claiming that they had been trained by churches abroad and were now operating "under the guise of the Zionist Christian evangelization movement."

  • Convicted Christian Deported and Arrested
    Mehran
    Mehran Shamloui
    Photo: Article 18

    On March 8th, Mehran Shamloui was one of three Christians convicted in Iran for "propaganda" and membership in an alleged "opposition group." He was sentenced to more than ten years in prison. (For more details, see this report.)

  • Laleh Saati Receives Conditional Release
    A smiling Laleh is outside, and the sun is shining on her face. A tree is in the background.
    Laleh Saati
    Photo: Article18

    Laleh Saati is a Christian convert and former asylum-seeker who was incarcerated in February 2024 and sentenced to two years in prison. (For more information on the imprisonment of this 46-year-old Iranian follower of Jesus, visit this page.) Throughout Laleh's time in custody, concerns have been raised about her physical health and psychological well-being. Most recently, it was reported that the Christian woman was denied needed medical treatment for a hand injury that had occurred as a result of a fall.