This morning (9 May) there was an appeal hearing for Assyrian Christian Shamiram Isavi Khabizeh, wife of pastor Victor Bet Tamraz.
On 6 January, Shamiram was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment by Judge Ahmadzade of Tehran Revolutionary Court for acting against national security and acting against the regime by organising small groups, attending a seminary abroad and training church leaders and pastors to act as spies.
During the appeal hearing, which lasted about three hours, the prosecutor and the judge spoke disrespectfully to Shamiram and accused the whole family of a variety of unsubstantiated crimes against the regime. Shamiram’s lawyer was allowed to speak, but Shamiram herself was not given an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
It is anticipated that there will be a further appeal hearing soon, but no date has been given.
Shamiram’s husband, Pastor Victor, was sentenced on 4 July 2017 to ten years’ imprisonment for acting against national security. Together with pastor Victor, three Christian converts, Amin Afshar Naderi, Kavian Fallah Mohammadi and Hadi Asgari also received prison sentences of between ten and fifteen years for similar “offences”. Their sentences are under appeal after a preliminary hearing on 25 April.
Prayer Points:
Iranian Christians are grateful for the prayers of many, and request continued prayer that,
- the verdict against Shamiram, as well as the other Christians, will be successfully appealed
- Shamiram will know God’s love and comfort, especially in the frustration and after the bad way she was treated
- Shamiram, Pastor Victor and the others will be encouraged and strengthened in the Lord and know His peace through the trials
- the Iranian authorities will act justly and uphold the rights and dignity of all
