Nasser Navard Goltapeh (59) a Christian convert serving a 10-year prison sentence requests prayer after his request for conditional release was refused.
Nasser was arrested in June 2016 at a private gathering in Tehran, along with three foreign visitors. They were held in solitary confinement in Evin Prison for two months, enduring intense interrogation.
In 2017 they were sentenced to 10 years in prison (the foreign defendants in absentia) for “action against national security and establishing house churches.” The verdict was upheld on appeal. Nasser started serving his sentence in January 2018.
After serving a third of the sentence, Nasser requested conditional release and received assurances this would be granted. However, on 22 June Nasser received a letter from the prosecutor’s office denying him parole. No reason was given for the refusal.
Prayer Points
Nasser is understandably disappointed, but after a month he is eligible to make another application. He requests prayer that:
- He will be able to find a good lawyer to submit a new application for parole.
- The application will be favourably received, and permission granted.
- God will give Nasser His peace during this difficult time and encourage him in his disappointment.
