Iranian Christians are encouraged that, after the release of Pastor Matthias (Abdolreza Ali Haghnejad) from Anzali Prison on 30 December, eight other Christian converts from Rasht held in Evin Prison were released on 1 January pending a review of their sentences.
The nine were arrested in January and February 2019. In October of that year each was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for “acting against national security.” A February 2020 appeal was unsuccessful.
On 24 November 2021 the Iranian Supreme Court ordered a review of the sentences, stating that involvement in house churches should not be considered a crime against national security. As a result, the nine men have been released pending this review.
Prayer Points
Prayer is requested that:
- the review will lead to a acquittal
- the Supreme court’s decision will lead to the review of sentences handed down in other cases
