Two Prisoners Released

Rokhsareh (Mahrokh) Ghanbari - Photo: Middle East Concern http://meconcern.org
Rokhsareh (Mahrokh) Ghanbari
Photo: Middle East Concern

In the endeavour to deal with the COVID-19 crisis, Iranian authorities released thousands of prisoners in mid-March to stop the spread within the country's prisons. It was noted, however, that many Christians detained for their faith were not included. We are pleased to report, however, that two Christian prisoners have gained their freedom.

Rokhsareh (Mahrokh) Ghanbari, who was initially charged in December 2018, appeared in court on July 27th of the following year for alleged "propaganda against the system." (To review a previously posted report, go to this page.) In October 2019, she was sentenced to one year in prison. We are thankful that although Mahrokh was granted temporary release on March 2nd, prison officials informed her on April 2nd that she no longer needs to return.

In March 2019, Amin Khaki was sentenced to 14 months in prison for alleged propaganda against the regime. While Amin was also temporarily released on March 2nd due to COVID-19 concerns, he received notification on April 6th that he would not have to return to prison.

Both Mahrokh and Amin were required to pay a $3,000 USD security deposit when released in March. However, it is expected that this money will be returned to them. For more on the persecution of Christians in Iran, visit our country report.

Praise God for the recent release of these two believers! Remember them in your prayers as they readjust to life outside of prison in the midst of these unprecedented times. Pray for the various Gospel outreaches that are going into Iran, whether they be conducted through satellite television broadcasts, ministries available via the Internet, or other forms of evangelism. As a result, may multitudes place their hope and confidence in the Risen Saviour.

  • 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

  • Armenian Christian Faces Ten-Year Sentence
    Hakop Gochumyan
    Hakop Gochumyan
    Photo: Article18

    Hakop Gochumyan and his wife Elisa are citizens of Armenia who went to Iran for vacation in August 2023. While the Christian couple and their two children were having dinner at a friend's house, agents from the Ministry of Intelligence raided the property. The authorities took the Christian family to the home of Elisa's grandmother, where the believers had been staying, and proceeded to search the residence. During the raid, Christian books and other personal belongings were confiscated. The couple was then taken to Evin Prison where they faced interrogation and intense psychological torture.