Twelve Iranian converts from Islam to Christianity have each been sentenced to one year in prison for “propaganda” against the state and for “inclination to the land of Christianity”. The twelve converts were originally arrested in the Iranian port city of Bushehr in 2015 and were released on bail while the case against them was processed.
The sentencing judge found all twelve guilty of “propaganda activities against the Islamic Republic of Iran” and of “holding house churches, inviting people to Christianity, and inclination to the land of Christianity.” The verdict was handed down on 20 June 2018, but was only recently reported.
Payam Kharamam, one of the converts, described how interrogators repeatedly questioned him about alleged contacts with the West: “The pressure and harassment of the security forces on me began in early 2012, and I was repeatedly summoned [by police] … and interrogated about evangelism and communication with abroad.”
Ask that Payam and the other eleven believers will not be troubled or afraid as they face jail in Iran’s notorious prison system, but instead will know God’s peace (John 14:27) and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Pray that the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump of future sanctions against Iran will not lead to a greater harassment of Christians because of their perceived connection to the West.
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