The family of Lida Alexani and her husband Joseph Shahbazian, request prayer as Lida has been ordered to turn herself in to Evin Prison to serve a 13-year prison sentence. Pastor Joseph is already serving his 16-year prison sentence in the same prison.
Lida was arrested on 12 April 2025 and spent a month in solitary confinement. She was released on bail equivalent to $50,000 on 13 May 2025.
Lida was sentenced in October 2025 along with her husband and three Christian converts and given a 13-year sentence on charges of “deviant proselytising contrary to the holy religion of Islam”, and of “gathering and collusion”. The prison sentences handed down to Lida, Joseph and the others on account of their Christian activities were over 70 years in total.
As reported by Article 18, Lida was summoned to serve her prison sentence on 9 October 2026.
Prayer Points
Please pray that:
- The God of all comfort will encourage and strengthen Lida and her family at this difficult time
- The unjust sentences of Lida, Joseph and the other Christians will be overturned and that those in prison will be released
- While in prison, Lida and Joseph will know God’s presence and find opportunities to minister to those around them
- The Iranian authorities will stop violating the rights of their own citizens.
