Iran: 2 BMBs released, others remain detained

Posted on 25^th July 2012

Greetings in the name of Jesus, the Good Shepherd

In recent months we have regularly requested prayer for Noorollah, a believer from a Muslim background (BMB), who was arrested on 24^th December 2010 and detained. We are pleased to report that he was released from prison in Ahvaz on 16^th July. However, there remains some uncertainty about the conditions of his release. One report has suggested that he initially faced a charge of “acting against state security through propagation of the Christian faith.” Following an appeal, the charge was changed to “apostasy” (i.e. leaving Islam) and the case was accordingly moved from the revolutionary court to the civil court. The report suggests that the civil court ordered Noorallah’s release on bail pending a decision in that case.

We are also pleased to report that Ehsan Behrouz was released in June. He was arrested in Mashhad during 2010 and detained for three months before being released on bail. However, he was detained again in November 2011 and held until his recent release. He has so far been refused re-entry to his university course.

At least 17 other believers remain detained in Iran because of their Christian faith and activities. These include pastor Behnam Irani, detained in Karaj, who continues to suffer poor health. He was recently allowed to receive treatment in the prison’s medical centre but he remains very ill.

Christians supporting these believers request our prayers that:

a.      Noorallah will know the presence of Jesus and the Spirit’s guidance at this time

b.      All charges against Noorallah, and other BMBs released on bail, will be dropped

c.       Ehsan will know the presence of Jesus as he resumes normal life, and will be allowed to continue his university studies

d.      Behnam will know the healing touch of Jesus

e.      All those detained for their faith will know the presence and peace of Jesus, and be released soon

f.        All officials involved will love mercy, act justly, learn about Jesus and choose to follow Him.

Open sources used: HRANA, FCNN, Mohabat News

May be circulated to general mailing lists, outside organizations, and quoted from freely in reports citing “Middle East Concern” as the source of the information.