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In June 2024, five Christian converts in Iran were arrested because of their faith. More than a year later, on July 16th, these believers were convicted and sentenced to eight years in prison for allegedly promoting "propaganda." Little information is available about the five detained Christians, and only three of them have been identified thus far. The charges stem from their attendance at Biblical training courses in Türkiye, as well as their involvement with house churches and online Christian events in Iran.
One of the convicted believers, Morteza Faghanpour-Saasi, received an additional 17-month sentence for allegedly insulting Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. Disturbingly, it has been revealed that Morteza was subjected to torture by prison officials prior to his trial. The physical abuse took place when officers attempted to pressure the believer to sign a statement renouncing his Christian faith in exchange for a reduced sentence.
On September 17th, after reviewing the cases of all five imprisoned followers of Jesus, authorities presiding over the court of appeal ruled to uphold the original sentences. To access previously published reports concerning Christian persecution in this highly restrictive Persian nation, visit our country profile.
- Pray that these five imprisoned believers – along with the many other Christians who are presently suffering for their faith in Iran – will receive divine protection and the strength to endure, while awaiting vindication from the country's judicial authorities.
- In the meantime, may God's love, peace and grace be powerfully reflected in the lives of these detained believers, so that their prison guards, court officials and fellow inmates would also discover the blessed hope that is available through faith in Jesus Christ.
- Pray for the continual growth and impact of ministries that are reaching into Iran, asking the Lord to equip their facilitators with wisdom, courage and the resources needed to further spread the Gospel message.
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