Iranian Christians request prayer for three Christian converts whose prison sentences have been reduced on appeal.

On 25 August at a hearing in Karaj, the convictions against Christian converts Amin Khaki, Milad Goudarzi and Alireza Nourmohammadi were upheld, but their sentences were reduced from five to three years.

On 26 June, Amin, Milad and Alireza were notified that each would receive the maximum five-year prison sentence under the recently amended Article 500 of the penal code for “propaganda that educates in a deviant way contrary to the holy religion of Islam” and be fined 40 million tomans (approx. US$1600).

On 11 November 2020, Iranian intelligence agents had raided their homes (and those of several other converts), confiscating Bibles, cell phones and computers. No-one was arrested at that time, but the converts continued to face harassment and were ordered to abstain from Christian activities. They all refused to comply.

Prayer Points

Iranian Christians are pleased the sentences have been reduced, but the verdicts remain unjust. Prayer is requested that:

  • The Lord will strengthen and encourage Amin, Milad and Alireza now that the verdicts have been upheld on appeal and that they and their families will experience the “peace that surpasses all understanding.”
  • They will be prepared to be summoned to prison.
  • Iranian authorities will stop violating international law by persecuting religious minorities peacefully practising their faith.
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