Asghar Salehi and Mohammadreza Rezaei, Persian Christian converts from Fars Province, request prayer after they and another Christian convert each received six-month prison sentences on account of their faith and Christian activity.
Asghar (43) came out of serious addiction and turned to Jesus Christ and met with Mohammadreza (35) and other Christians who had experienced similar problems with addiction.
On 18 September 2018 Iranian intelligence agents raided Asghar’s and Mohammadreza’s houses and arrested them as well as four other associates at their homes. Asghar was interrogated for three days, being kept blindfolded for most of the time. He was then transferred to Eghlid prison for a further eight days. He was released on bail after submitting a business licence as a guarantee.
Asghar, Mohammadreza and one other Christian convert were summoned to a court hearing at Branch 101 of Eghlid Criminal Court on 18 April 2019 and charged with propaganda against the Islamic Republic. The judge refused to allow Asghar to speak and warned him that he was being monitored and that he would have to commit to stop all Christian activities prior to another court session.
On 16 September the three men were summoned to Branch 101 of Eghlid Criminal Court and on 22 September the decision was announced that the three men each faced a six-month prison sentence for “propaganda against the System through promoting Zionist Christianity” in accordance with Article 500 of the penal code.
Asghar and Mohammadreza filed an appeal against the prison sentence on 24 September. Asghar is also facing some potentially serious health issues.
Prayer Points
Iranian Christians ask for prayer that:
- The three men and their families will know God’s peace, strength and encouragement during these difficult times and healing for physical ailments
- The prison sentences will be successfully appealed
- Their faith in the Lord Jesus will be strengthened in response to the pressure from the authorities
- Iranian authorities will stop their persecution of Christian converts and other religious minorities
