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On October 21st, 2025, five Iranian Christians were sentenced to lengthy prison terms. Among those convicted was Pastor Joseph Shahbazian, who received a 16-year sentence for leading a house church; and his wife, Lida Alexani, who had been sentenced to 13 years' imprisonment. (Review a previously posted Persecution & Prayer Alert report on these Iranian believers' initial sentences.)

In 2022, Pastor Joseph Shahbazian was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment for his Christian ministry work in Iran. After an appeal, he was released a year later. For unknown reasons, however, he was suddenly rearrested on February 6th of this year, and now reportedly faces numerous charges. For more details, see this report.