Monday, February 15, 2010

Christians converts from Islam imprisoned in Iran

Three believers from a Muslim background (BMBs) remain detained in Evin prison after being arrested, along with 12 others, on 24th December close to Tehran. Although all were initially released, some were ordered to return to sign papers in early January, and three were re-arrested. The group had gathered for a Christmas celebration in a home 20 kilometres (12 miles) southeast of Tehran. The authorities searched the homes of all 15 believers, confiscating their Christian books, other literature and computers.

A few days later the sister of one of those detained near Tehran was also arrested, together with another BMB, in the central city of Isfahan.

On 11th January six BMBs, together with another Christian, were arrested in the south-western city of Shiraz. Three of these seven were visiting from other cities. It has been reported that all have been offered release on bail. However, bail has been set at a prohibitive level - more than US$30,000 each for five of them, and a little less for the other two - and all seven remain detained.

Four associates of those detained in Shiraz have also been arrested in the northern city of Rasht. One arrested at the end of January and another arrested in October remain in custody. Two others arrested at different times in January were held for about two weeks and then released.

All those detained are being denied family visits and access to legal representation.

Christians supporting these believers request our prayers that:
a.  Those detained will know the close presence of Jesus, and be strengthened in their faith
b.  The purposes of the Father will be worked out in an through them
c.  All still detained will be released and reunited with their families
d.  Those released will not face charges or further court hearings
e.  BMBs across Iran will be able to meet together without fear
f.  All officials involved will act justly and mercifully, and make the same choice to follow Jesus

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Web site: www.meconcern.orgThree believers from a Muslim background (BMBs) remain detained in Evin prison after being arrested, along with 12 others, on 24th December close to Tehran. Although all were initially released, some were ordered to return to sign papers in early January, and three were re-arrested. The group had gathered for a Christmas celebration in a home 20 kilometres (12 miles) southeast of Tehran. The authorities searched the homes of all 15 believers, confiscating their Christian books, other literature and computers.

A few days later the sister of one of those detained near Tehran was also arrested, together with another BMB, in the central city of Isfahan.

On 11th January six BMBs, together with another Christian, were arrested in the south-western city of Shiraz. Three of these seven were visiting from other cities. It has been reported that all have been offered release on bail. However, bail has been set at a prohibitive level - more than US$30,000 each for five of them, and a little less for the other two - and all seven remain detained.

Four associates of those detained in Shiraz have also been arrested in the northern city of Rasht. One arrested at the end of January and another arrested in October remain in custody. Two others arrested at different times in January were held for about two weeks and then released.

All those detained are being denied family visits and access to legal representation.

Christians supporting these believers request our prayers that:
a.  Those detained will know the close presence of Jesus, and be strengthened in their faith
b.  The purposes of the Father will be worked out in an through them
c.  All still detained will be released and reunited with their families
d.  Those released will not face charges or further court hearings
e.  BMBs across Iran will be able to meet together without fear
f.  All officials involved will act justly and mercifully, and make the same choice to follow Jesus

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Web site: www.meconcern.org

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