Two Christian converts from Islam to face trial April 13

By Michael Ireland, Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service

TEHRAN, IRAN (ANS) — Two Christian converts from Islam, who were originally charged with anti-government activities and held in Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison for more than six months, will go on trial, Tuesday, April 13.

The Jubilee Campaign (www.jubileecampaign.org ) says Maryam and Marzieh were conditionally released in November after 259 days in Iran’s Evin Prison for their Christian faith.

Jubilee Campaign’s Ann Buwalda says they have been receiving medical treatment for the past five months, but both remain unwell, weak and suffer from various illnesses. Despite their frailties, they are determined to be faithful to the Lord and speak the truth in court whatever the consequence or personal cost.

Buwalda asks that for the next few days leading up to their court hearing, prayers are requested that the Peace of God will protect their hearts and minds and keep them safe, they will completely recover from their illnesses and be strong physically, mentally and spiritually, they will know the presence of God in the midst of their trial, and that they will be set free.

Back in November, International Christian Concern (ICC – www.persecution.org) reported that Maryam Rostampour and Marzieh Amirizadeh Esmaeilabad, two Christian converts from Islam, were released from Evin Prison in Tehran on November 18 at 3:30 pm local time.

Elam Ministries told ICC that Maryam, 27, and Marzieh, 30, were released without bail, but that they would have yet to face another court hearing.

November 25 marked Marzieh’s 31st birthday.

ICC said that originally arrested on March 5 by Iranian security forces, Maryam and Marzieh were charged with anti-government activities. However, it became clear that apostasy (conversion from Islam to Christianity), not anti-state activities, was the reason for the arrest.

Taken before a Revolutionary Court hearing on August 9, Maryam and Marzieh were commanded to recant their faith, and in return, would be granted their freedom. “We will not deny our faith,” the women responded, “if we come out of prison, we want to do so with honor.”

ICC said that while detained at Evin Prison, which is notorious for its brutal conduct toward women, Maryam and Marzieh were kept in solitary confinement and endured extended interrogations, all the while suffering from poor health.

According to ICC, Iran issued no statement explaining the verdict for Maryam and Marzieh’s release. However, the decision followed international pressure and prayers from Christians throughout the world.

“Words are not enough to express our gratitude to the Lord and to His people who have prayed and worked for our release,” said Maryam and Marzieh.

Although released, eight months of abuse and mistreatment by Iranian security forces undoubtedly took a toll on Maryam and Marzieh’s health. Marzieh has suffered intense headaches, toothaches, and spinal pain, while both women have been denied medical treatment.

Aidan Clay, ICC Regional Manager of the Middle East, said at the time of their release: “We celebrate with Maryam and Marzieh, and with all Christians upon hearing the news of their release. Yet, we continue to hold Iran accountable for having unjustly imprisoned and degraded two women who committed no crime.

“We condemn Iran’s tactics of intimidation and harassment used to terrorize Christians throughout the country. We call upon Iran to uphold religious freedom by allowing all Iranians to practice the religion of their choice, and to be allowed to worship freely without being threatened or discriminated against.”