Iran: update #3 on dual-national detained for Christian activities

Posted 28^th January 2013

Greetings in the name of Jesus, Prince of Peace

Last week we requested prayer for Saeed, an Iranian believer from a Muslim background who is currently detained in Tehran and faced a hearing in a Revolutionary Court on 21^st January.

We regret to report that the judge has informed Saeed’s lawyer that Saeed has been convicted of anti-state activities due to his work with house fellowships and a jail sentence of eight years’ imprisonment imposed. The court has not yet issued the written verdict and sentence. It is understood the Saeed is entitled to appeal the conviction and sentence.

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.       The appeal will be successful and the conviction and sentence dropped, and that he will be 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.