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November 2010
After 255 days in prison, Maryam and Marzieh told they will be released on monday
(news from one of our ministries)
On Sunday morning November 15 we received news that Maryam and Marzieh are due to be released tomorrow, Monday November 16, 2009.
We understand after their release they might have to attend court hearings. We are rejoicing at the prospect of their release but would ask you to pray for their full and unconditional release, and for their safety and quick recovery.
We look forward to sharing more wonderful news with you later.
August 9, 2009 Update
MARYAM AND MARZIEH: “We will not deny our faith”
In a dramatic session before the revolutionary court today in Tehran, Maryam Rustampoor (27) and Marzieh Amirizadeh (30) were told to recant their faith in Christ. Though great pressure was put on them, both women declared that they would not deny their faith. Maryam and Marzieh were originally arrested on March 5, 2009 and have suffered greatly while in prison, suffering ill health, solitary confinement and interrogations for many hours while blindfolded.
On Saturday August 8, Maryam and Marzieh were summoned to appear in court on Sunday August 9 in order to hear a verdict on their case. The chief interrogator had recommended a verdict of ‘apostasy.’ However, when they arrived, no verdict was actually given. Instead, the court session focussed on the deputy prosecutor, Mr Haddad, questioning Maryam and Marzieh about their faith and telling them that they had to recant in both verbal and written form. This made it clear that in the eyes of the court, Maryam and Marzieh’s only crime is that they have converted to Christianity.
Mr. Haddad, asked the two women if they were Christians. “We love Jesus,” they replied. He repeated his question and they said, “Yes, we are Christians.”
Mr. Haddad then said, “You were Muslims and now you have become Christians.”
“We were born in Muslim families, but we were not Muslims,” was their reply.
Mr. Haddad’s questioning continued and he asked them if they regretted becoming Christians, to which they replied, “We have no regrets.”
Then he stated emphatically, “You should renounce your faith verbally and in written form.” They stood firm and replied, “We will not deny our faith.”
During one tense moment in the questioning, Maryam and Marzieh made reference to their belief that God had convicted them through the Holy Spirit. Mr. Haddad told them, “It is impossible for God to speak with humans.”
Marzieh asked him in return, “Are you questioning whether God is Almighty?”
Mr. Haddad then replied, “You are not worthy for God to speak to you.”
Marzieh said, “It is God, and not you, who determines if I am worthy.”
Mr. Haddad told the women to return to prison and think about the options they were given and come back to him when they are ready (to comply). Maryam and Marzieh said, “We have already done our thinking.”
At the end of the session, Mr. Haddad told them that a judge will give them his verdict, though it is not clear who will be the judge in their case now. He also allowed Maryam and Marzieh to have a lawyer represent them in the case for the first time since their arrest.
Both women are back in Evin prison tonight. During their five-month ordeal, both have been unwell and have lost much weight. Marzieh is in pain due to an on-going problem with her spine, as well as an infected tooth and intense headaches.She desperately needs medical attention. Two months ago the prison officials told her the prison had proper medical equipment and that they will attend to her, but so far no proper treatment has been given.
Despite the concentrated effort of officials to pressure them into recanting their faith, Maryam and Marzieh love Jesus and they are determined to stand firm to the very end no matter whatever happens. They have demonstrated their love for Jesus and would offer their lives for Him if they were called to do so. After today’s court session they said, “If we come out of prison we want to do so with honor.”
Maryam and Marzieh’s case is a clear and harsh violation of human rights and religious liberty by Iran’s authorities. They deserve the support of all those who respect human rights and to be released without charges so they can pursue a life of freedom.
April 28, 2009- update
Continued concern is expressed worldwide for the two Iranian women imprisoned for their faith in the dreaded Evin prison in Tehran, Iran. Both are still struggling with serious health issues. Marzieh is known to have an ear infection. Yet, neither woman has been allowed to see a doctor. However, these brave women are not in despair. Instead, they are maintaining their faith in Christ, and actively sharing the Gospel with their fellow prisoners. This is the message they have sent out to the church:
“Tell people to not be discouraged. God is using this time in our lives. We are broken, but we are not crushed. What God is doing is good—even in prison!”
The question has been asked if this situation will slow the work of God in Iran. The answer is an unreserved NO! Rather, they see this as a time to press forward and advance the cause of Christ. It is still true: This is God’s time for Iran!
Will you continue to pray for Maryam and Marzieh? Pray for their health, and their protection. But most of all, pray that the light of Christ will shine brightly through their sacrificial stand for the Lord. And will you pray for the thousands of faithful Iranian believers who are declaring their faith no matter what the consequences? And will you consider giving to purchase Farsi (Persian) New Testaments to help spread the Gospel to the Iranian people?
Press Release – April 3, 2009
Maryam and Marzieh held in cell with 27 other women and suffering ill-health
Dear friends,
Two Iranian Christian women, Miss Maryam Rustampoor (27) and Miss Marzieh Amirizadeh Esmaeilabad (30), and are still being held at the notorious Evin prison in Iran. They were arrested on March 5, 2009 because of their Christian faith and have been accused of ‘anti-government’ activity.
Though they have now been held for 28 days, they still have not been officially charged and are therefore being held in the ‘detention’ section of Evin prison. They are in a cell with 27 other women and the terrible living conditions have caused both to suffer ill health. They have not been allowed to see a doctor. However, they are very encouraged that Christians around the world are praying for them.
There is a possibility that they can be released on bail soon. If this happens they will still have to face a court case with the possibility of being sentenced to life imprisonment. In September 2008 the Iranian parliament passed the initial stages of a bill that would make apostasy (leaving Islam for another religion) a criminal offence, punishable by life imprisonment for women and death for men. This bill is to be reviewed and finalized later this year.
Iranian Christians ask for continued prayer for these two brave Christian women.
Thank you again for all your support and prayers.
March 31, 2009
On March 5, 2009 two Iranian Christian women, Miss Marzieh Amirizadeh Esmaeilabad (30) and Miss Maryam Rustampoor (27), were arrested by the Iranian security forces, according to Farsi Christian News Network (FCNN). Their only “crime” is that they are committed Christians who follow the teachings of Jesus. They are being labeled as “anti-government activists.” This accusation is a result of the hostility of the Iran’s government towards practicing Christians.
The apartment shared by these women was searched and their personal belongings confiscated. They were hand-cuffed and taken into custody. Afterwards, sessions of interrogation took place. Finally, on March 18th they were sent to the notorious Evin Prison—where they are currently being held without charge. They have been told they could be freed on a bail of $400,000. This unrealistic bail is designed to intimidate and make their release impossible. The families have subsequently been told on several occasions a judge is not available to discuss the case.
Both women are only allowed a one minute telephone call a day to their immediate families. Both are ill and in need of urgent medical attention. During their last call on March 28, Marzieh said that she was suffering from an infection and high fever. She told her family, “I am dying.”
The courage and bravery of these two women is nothing short of amazing. Not too long ago these two Christian ladies were interviewed by a staff member of Advancing Native Missions. When asked if they were afraid of being arrested or persecuted, they said:
“If we stay afraid, then who will do what we are called to do? We have tasted the love of Jesus, and we cannot keep this love to ourselves. We must share His love with the lost people of Iran. If Jesus is worth living for, then He is certainly worth dying for!”
These arrests are only the latest in a series of persecutions. Last year there were over 50 known cases of arrests and imprisonment, and several cases of torture. Just this past January three church leaders were arrested on the same day. They were accused of “propaganda against the system,” a charge that indicates that they were sharing their faith with others, including Muslims. These incidents are part of a noted increase in the Iranian government’s intimidation of Christians.
Remember, Iran is a member of the United Nations. They have agreed to protect basic human rights. However, such persecution flies in the face of their own stated commitments to human liberty. Iran’s persecution of Christians, especially the arrest of these two single young women, is done in open defiance for the international community. The United States government, and other free nations, should put pressure on the Iranian government to preserve and protect the rights of all Iranian citizens, Christians included.
Iranian Christian leaders from around the world are calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Marzieh and Maryam. Christian leaders are also asking world governments to put pressure on Iran to ensure freedom of religion.
We encourage you to pray. Please consider passing this message along to friends, pastors, other churches, and encourage them to pray.
There is nothing more important than your prayers for these suffering believers in Jesus. However, if you would also like to give to a ministry that is making a difference among the Iranian people, then please click here.
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