Wednesday 14th October 2009

Release International reports

Release International

Release International is delighted to hear that Iran has dropped a major charge of conducting activities against the state against two Christian women who have been detained since March because of their faith.

27-year-old Maryam Rustampoor, and 30-year old Marzieh Amirizadeh Esmaeilabad were told by a court to renounce their new-found Christian faith and return to Islam. But they have refused.

They were arrested on three charges: anti-state activity, propagating the Christian faith, and apostasy - leaving Islam.

According to Middle East Concern a judge at the Revolutionary Court has now dropped the charge of carrying out activities against the state. The two women and their lawyers are said to be delighted, as acquittals are rare in Iran.

Their case will now be transferred to a general court, where the other two charges will be considered.

In Iran it is illegal for Muslims to change their faith. And legislators are considering mandating the death penalty for Muslim men who change their religion. Under the proposed law the penalty for women would be life imprisonment.

Maryam and Marzieh are now back in prison, awaiting their next hearing. Both are said to be in poor health and to have been denied satisfactory medical care by the authorities - though Maryam was given treatment for severe food poisoning.

'This is good news that Iran has dropped the unfounded charge of carrying out activities against the state,' says Release CEO Andy Dipper. 'But what it indicates is how Iran confuses personal matters of faith with national security.

'Christians are wrongly regarded as being anti-government in Iran and are heavily persecuted. The state must move to grant full freedom of religion to its citizens.

'Many Christians in the UK have been praying for Maryam and Marzieh. Please keep doing so, and writing to the Iranian embassy on their behalf.

'Pray especially that Maryam and Marzieh will continue to know the Lord's presence and comfort each day, and that they will stand firm despite the continuing pressure to renounce their faith. Pray also that the two outstanding charges against them will be dropped and they will soon be released.'

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

About Release International

Through its international network of missions Release serves persecuted Christians in more than 30 countries, by supporting pastors and Christian prisoners, and their families; supplying Christian literature and Bibles; and working for justice.

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Reader Comments

Posted by George Brayford in Silverdale, N-U-L @ 21:33 on Nov 23 2009

madness or Great Grace? May the Good Lord Bless them and send them help from His Throne

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Posted by snooky in West Mids UK @ 17:33 on Oct 16 2009

Father in Heaven
I pray for these two women, Maryam and Marzieh
Whose courage in maintaining there faith in You
in the face of such adversity, surely deserves your highest blessing. I pray that you will orchestrate their release and demonstrate your power in this - that you are the true God, a God of Love and compassion.
Through hearts and minds You can reach the people of Iran and give the The Good News through the release and well being of these women.

Father God, in Christ we have freedom and a relationship with you. I pray that the people of Iran
will come to know this and develop a loving relationship with You.

For now I pray that You will be beside Maryam and Marzieh in their moments of imprisonment, that you will give them strength and hope and protect them from their tormentors.

I ask this in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ.

Amen

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Posted by whatsgoingon in USA @ 00:37 on Oct 15 2009

When will the Iranian government let people choose their own religion? Are they afraid everyone will leave Islam immediately? What if a Christian country had the death penalty for leaving Christianity?

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Posted by Philip in Near Houston, Texas, USA @ 15:56 on Oct 14 2009

I pray three hours everyday for Maryam and Marzieh. I hope Iran releases these brave women soon.

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The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

Anti-State Charge Dropped Against Women Christians In Iran

Release International reports

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