Photo: Article18
In January 2025, Ghazal Marzban was arrested and sentenced to six months' imprisonment and 74 lashes on charges of "propaganda against the regime" and for appearing in public without a hijab. Thankfully, the Christian woman was released after serving two months of her previously ordered sentence.
A year later, Ghazal was unexpectedly arrested again. (Read more.) During this most recent detention, her Bible and other Christian literature were confiscated. Although she insists that these materials were meant for her own personal use, the Ministry of Intelligence claimed that they had been intended for evangelistic purposes. It was recently reported that Ghazal has now been sentenced to nine years and eight months in prison on charges that include "propaganda against the state."
Following her conversion to Christianity, the law graduate was prevented from taking the bar examination. In addition, her husband, who is also a Christian convert, has been unable to access needed medication for Parkinson's disease. The withholding of his medical treatment appears to be linked to the couple's Christian faith. In light of his health concern, Ghazal's imprisonment has been referred to as "a sentence for both of them."
- Pray that Ghazal will remain deeply aware of God's abiding presence, divine protection and sustaining grace as she awaits with renewed hope for His mighty intervention to take place once again in her legal case.
- In the interim, please also intercede on behalf of her husband, asking the Lord to provide him urgently needed medical help, improved physical health and well-being, along with further encouragement – enabling him to not only survive these challenging circumstances but also thrive in the midst of them.
- Continue to prayerfully remember the dozens of other believers who, like Ghazal, are presently imprisoned in Iran because of their faith in Christ, asking Him to also greatly encourage their hearts, strengthen their faith, and surround them with His peace.
