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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.
Thankfully, Laleh was released from prison on May 31st. However, her release will only be granted on the condition that she refrains from speaking with any media reporters or other contacts outside of Iran. The Christian woman is also forbidden from leaving the county for two years. While grateful for her release, Laleh continues to be subjected to psychological pressure from members of the Iranian government. Her mother has also been interrogated by intelligence officers regarding news reports documenting Laleh's imprisonment, which the authorities claim were published on "hostile sites." Further charges have been threatened against Laleh and her mother because of the publicity surrounding this case.
While the church in Iran is growing rapidly, believers are forced to practise their faith in secret due to governmental oppression. VOMC's Minister-at-Large, Greg Musselman, recently spoke with Joseph Hovsepian about the challenges encountered by Iranian Christians. View this candid and yet very inspiring interview.
- While we can praise God for Laleh's recent release from prison, pray that this sister in Christ will now receive the urgent medical treatment she needs – along with full physical and emotional restoration.
- Ask the Lord to provide divine wisdom, peace and protection to Laleh and her family as they deal with the restrictions and threats being imposed on them by governing officials.
- Continue to remember the many Christians who are presently imprisoned in Iran, praying that each one of these detained believers will experience the comforting presence, protection and incomprehensible joy of the Lord – even while in the darkest of places – as they await their hopeful soon release.
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