Laleh Saati (46) was released from Evin Prison on 31 May after more than 15 months of a two-year prison sentence for “acting against national security by connecting with ‘Zionist’ Christian organisations.” She was also given a two-year travel ban. It is reported that her release was conditional on her avoiding contact with media and contacts outside Iran.
Laleh had applied for asylum in Malaysia, but returned to Iran in 2017 to be reunited with her elderly parents after growing frustrated at the time it was taking to process her asylum claim.
On 13 February 2024 Laleh was arrested at her father’s home in Tehran. She was subjected to intensive interrogation for three weeks.Photos and videos of her baptism and Christian activities in Malaysia were used as evidence against her.
On 16 March 2024, she was brought before judge Iman Afshari at Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court and convicted.
Laleh had been denied medical treatment in prison and there are concerns about her mental health and well-being.
Prayer Points
We thank God for Laleh’s release and ask for prayer that:
- the Lord will strengthen, restore and heal Laleh after the trauma of prison and the treatment she has endured,
- those believers, like Laleh, who have solid claims for asylum on account of their Christian identity and practices would be given protection without undue delays,
- the Iranian authorities will stop treating their citizens as criminals because of their religion or beliefs.
