Iran: update #2 on dual-national detained for Christian activities

Posted on 21^st January 2013

Greetings in the name of Jesus, Prince of Peace

On Friday (18^th January) we requested prayer for Saeed, an Iranian believer from a Muslim background who is currently detained in Tehran, who was scheduled to face a hearing in a Revolutionary Court today (i.e. Monday 21^st).

The hearing took place as scheduled. Saeed and his lawyer were in attendance, as was Saeed’s father. The hearing covered Saeed’s Christian activities in Iran, which the government considers part of a plot by the West to undermine the regime. Saeed told the judge he does not have any political objectives, but is a religious person. The lawyer is expecting a verdict to be issued next week.

Recall that Saeed was in Iran to visit his parents and to conduct humanitarian activities. In 2009 he had been warned about his activities with house fellowships, and so had focused on humanitarian activities during subsequent visits to Iran. He has joint Iranian-US citizenship, and his wife and children are in the US. He has been detained since 26^th September.

Christians supporting this family thank us for our prayers. They request our continued intercession, asking that:

a.      Saeed will know the close presence of Jesus each day

b.      Naghmeh, their two children and his parents will know Jesus’ presence and peace

c.       All charges against Saeed will be dropped, and that he will be released, and allowed to travel freely from and to Iran and to continue his humanitarian work in the country

d.      Others currently detained in Iran for their Christian faith or activities will be released and all charges against them dropped

e.      Others facing court hearings for their Christian faith or activities will know the Spirit’s guiding wisdom as and when their hearings are held, and that all charges will be dropped

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

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.