Iranian Christians request prayer for Homayoun Zhaveh and his wife Sara Ahmadi who were detained on 13 August after being summoned to Evin Prison in Tehran.
Initially arrested by Iranian intelligence in June 2019. Homayoun was released after a month, but Sara spent 67 days in detention – half in solitary confinement where she endured extreme psychological pressure.
In November 2020 Sara was sentenced to 11 years in prison for her alleged role in leading a house church and Homayoun to two years for house church membership. The sentence also included a two-year ban on foreign travel, a two-year ban on membership in any social or political group and six months’ community service.
At an appeal hearing in December 2020, the convictions were upheld, but Sara’s prison sentence was reduced to eight years. Their lawyer requested a retrial, but in June 2021 the Supreme Court refused the application.
Homayoun and Sara expected to start their prison sentences on 15 June 2021, but when they presented themselves at Evin Prison they were told they could return home for the time being.
On 13 August, 2022, Homayoun and Sara answered a summons to the prison, expecting to have confiscated property returned. Instead, they were both detained.
Friends are concerned about their well-being, especially as Homayoun suffers from advanced Parkinson’s disease.
Prayer Points
Prayer is requested that:
- God will comfort, encourage, and strengthen Homayoun and Sara at this difficult time
- Their harsh sentences will be reviewed, especially since Homayoun is in poor health, and that they will be acquitted
- The Iranian authorities will stop the persecution of their citizens for the peaceful expression of their faith
