Iranian Christians are pleased to report that the third Iranian Christian arrested in Rasht on 13th May has also been released.
On 31st May Middle East Concern issued a prayer update giving notice that Yasser Mossayebzadeh and Saheb Fadaie had both been released at the end of May, but the third Christian, Mohammedreza Omidi, remained in detention. On 7th June Mohammedreza was also released on posting bail.
The three men were arrested after security agents raided the home of Yousef Nadarkhani, a church leader who attracted international attention when charged with apostasy and sentenced to death in 2010, although he was acquitted and released in 2013. Yousef and his wife Tina were arrested along with Yasser Mossayebzadeh. Yousef and Tina were released later that day, but Yasser remained in detention. Two other Christians, Saheb Fadaie and Mohammedreza Omidi, were then summoned to security offices and also detained in connection with the initial arrests.
Mohammedreza was initially not given the option of posting bail, but his application for conditional release was later approved and he was allowed to leave Lakan Prison in Rasht on Tuesday 7th June after posting bail equivalent to approximately US$33,000 – the same amount as Yasser and Saheb had posted. He was told that he would be summoned again, although the charges he and the others could face remain unclear.
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Prayer points
Those close to the three men thank all who have been praying and rejoice that Mohammedreza has also been released. They request prayer that:
a. the three men will not need to face charges regarding their faith in Jesus or their Christian activity
b. God will give His peace to the men and their families, and they will not come under undue pressure to leave the country
c. there will be no further action taken against Yousef Nadarkhani and his wife Tina
d. all officials involved will love mercy, act justly, learn about Jesus and choose to follow Him
