Iran: violated rights of religious minorities
A group of 19 human rights organisations including Middle East Concern are calling on the international community and United Nations bodies to protect the rights of Christians in the Islamic Republic of Iran. In the summer of 2016 Iranian authorities increased their...
Algeria: update on Christian imprisoned for blasphemy
In August and September Middle East Concern issued prayer requests for Slimane Bouhafs (49), an Algerian Christian man who on 6th September was convicted of blasphemy and was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment. Because of Slimane’s deteriorating health, his family...
Sudan: update on imprisoned Christians
Christians in Sudan request prayer for four Christian men who are imprisoned and standing trial on several charges - some of which could result in the death penalty or life imprisonment. The men are: Rev. Hassan Abduraheem Kodi Taour (pictured right); Rev. Kuwa Shamal...
Morocco: Christian survives assassination attempt
Christians in Morocco request prayer for Mohammed Saeed Zao, a Christian who survived an assassination attempt on the night of Friday 4th November. Mohammed is well-known because of his promotion of the rights of Christians, and has featured in many media interviews...
Iran: Azerbaijan Christians conditionally released from prison
Relatives and friends of three Christians from Azerbaijan and an Iranian Christian are delighted to report that they have all been released from prison on bail, and the Azerbaijanis were able to travel back home yesterday (6th November). Eldar Gurbanov (48), Yusif...
Turkey: US Christians to be deported
Family and friends of Andrew Brunson have requested prayer as he remains detained at an immigration centre in Turkey awaiting deportation and has been issued with an entry ban into the country. Police in Izmir detained Andrew, the American pastor of Izmir Dirilis...
Turkey: entry ban for Christian student
Ryan Keating, a Christian PhD student in Ankara, has requested prayer for his situation as his residency has been cancelled and he has been issued with an entry ban into Turkey. On 17th October Ryan returned to Turkey after a week-long trip abroad. At the airport,...
Iran: update on Christians arrested at picnic
On 11th October Middle East Concern reported that three of the five men arrested at a picnic in Iran in August had been conditionally released. However, it is now confirmed that two were released on bail and three remain detained. On 10th October Ramiel Bet Tamraz...
Iran: release of Behnam Irani
Friends of Pastor Behnam Irani are pleased to announce that he has been released after six years’ imprisonment in Iran. Behnam Irani of the self-styled “Church of Iran” was given a five-year suspended sentence in 2008, after he was charged with action against national...
Iran: three Christians conditionally released
Iranian Christians are pleased to report that three of the five men arrested at a picnic in August have been conditionally released, and request prayer for them and for the release of the two still detained. On Friday 26th August Ramiel Bet Tamraz (pictured), Amin...
Iran: verdict for Christians drinking communion wine
Iranian Christians request prayer for three believers from Muslim backgrounds who have been sentenced to 80 lashes each for drinking wine in a communion service. Yaser Mosibzadeh, Saheb Fadayee and Mohammed Reza Omidi (known as Youhan) were arrested at a house church...
Iran: Christian prisoners in Shiraz denied release
Friends of two imprisoned Iranian Christian believers, Mohammed Roghangir and Massoud Rezai, request prayer for them and their families, as they have been prevented from obtaining early release on good behaviour. Mohammed and Massoud were among seven believers from...