On 11th October Middle East Concern reported that three of the five men arrested at a picnic in Iran in August had been conditionally released. However, it is now confirmed that two were released on bail and three remain detained.
On 10th October Ramiel Bet Tamraz (pictured) and Mohamad Dehnay were released after submitting bail equivalent to $33,000 each. Ramiel and Mohamad were told that Amin Nader Afshar had also been released, and this is what Middle East Concern reported. However, it has subsequently emerged that Amin Nader was not in fact released. We apologise for reporting incorrect information and regret any distress caused to those involved.
On Friday 26th August Ramiel, Mohamad, Amin Nader, Hadi Askary and Amir Sina Dashti went with their wives and friends to Firuzkuh north of Tehran to go fishing and have a picnic. Security officials from the Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) raided the picnic and arrested the five men, detaining them in Evin Prison, Tehran. No charges have been made against them despite weeks of interrogation.
Amin Nader, Hadi and Amir Sina remain in detention and Hadi in particular has faced intense pressure during interrogation. There had been an expectation that Hadi and Amir Sina would be released on bail tomorrow (19th October), but hopes have diminished as the police have still not contacted the families to inform them about the amount of bail required.
MAY BE CIRCULATED TO GENERAL MAILING LISTS AND OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS, AND QUOTED FROM FREELY IN REPORTS CITING “MIDDLE EAST CONCERN” AS THE SOURCE OF THE INFORMATION.
Prayer points
The families and friends of these five men request our prayers that:
a. those still detained, especially Amin Nader, will know the presence, peace and provision of Jesus, and that bail demands will be realistic so that they can be released soon
b. no charges will be brought against the five men
c. all officials involved will love mercy, act justly, learn about Jesus and choose to follow Him
