Iranian Christians request prayer for convert Ebrahim Firouzi who has been arrested after publicizing continual harassment from Iranian intelligence (MOIS).
On 6 February Ebrahim released a series of six videos detailing harassment by MOIS including an informant posing as a friend, confiscated property and harassment of his non-Christian brother.
Ebrahim (34) was summoned to respond to allegations of “propaganda against the Islamic Republic in favour of hostile groups” and face increased bail demands.
He sent a message to friends saying: “I ask Christians to pray not for my acquittal but for the great name of God to be glorified, for which I will be in the court tomorrow.”
Appearing in court on 8 February, Ebrahim was arrested and detained in Chabahar prison in south-east Iran.
Ebrahim has been arrested multiple times and spent more than six years in prison on various charges, including “propaganda against the Islamic Republic,” “launching and directing evangelism,” “running a Christian website,”“actions against national security,” “being present at an illegal gathering” and “collusion with foreign entities.”
Released in October 2019, he started a term of internal exile in Sarbaz, on the border with Pakistan. In March 2020 his exile was extended a further 11 months.
In September 2020, Ebrahim was summoned to answer a charge of “propaganda against the state, however the prosecutor closed the case against him for lack of evidence.
Ebrahim’s friends request that, in accordance with Ebrahim’s wishes, we pray for God to be glorified rather than Ebrahim to be acquitted and that:
- God will encourage and strengthen Ebrahim
- The MOIS officials will stop harassing Ebrahim and his brother
- The videos Ebrahim shared will be used to raise awareness of the persecution faced by minorities in Iran, and promote positive change
- The Iranian authorities will respect freedom of religion and stop persecuting Christian converts like Ebrahim, or members of other religious minorities
