Iranian Christians request prayer for Christian convert Mary (Fatemeh) Mohammadi, who has received a suspended sentence of three months and one day in prison and 10 lashes for “disturbing public order.”
Mary (21) was arrested on 12 January near Azadi Square in Tehran during protests following the downing Ukrainian International Airlines Flight 752 by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran. She was physically and emotionally abused during her arrest and transfer to Qarchak prison. For several weeks her whereabouts were unknown, causing friends and family much anxiety.
Mary was released on 26 February on bail of 30 million Tomans (US$ 2,000) pending a court hearing. Initially scheduled for 2 March, it was postponed until 14 April due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Mary reported that the judge questioned her about her faith, even though this had no bearing on the charges she faced.
On 21 April, Mary was notified of her sentence. In her Instagram account she comments on why she was convicted:
“Because of protesting against the slaughter of human beings, Because of showing sympathy for the families of those who perished on the Ukraine airline crash, Because of defending the rights of all humans, Because……. There was no evidence against me, so I ought to have been acquitted, but instead I was sentenced not only to imprisonment, but also flogging.”
Mary will not appeal the sentence.
Mary was previously arrested at a house church in November 2017 and imprisoned in Evin Prison for six months due to her Christian activities. Since then, she has been denied university education and frequently harassed.
Prayer Points
Iranian Christians request prayer for Mary and the Iranian regime that:
- Mary will be encouraged, despite the conviction, and know God’s peace and power
- The Iranian authorities will respect and uphold fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of speech and the freedom of religion and belief
