ICC Note:
“Fariborz Azram, a believer from a Muslim background, was released on 11th April after six months in detention on account of his faith,” Middle East Concern reports. However, more than 20 Christians remain in prison in Iran and request our prayers.
4/26/2012 Iran (Middle East Concern) – We are pleased to report that Fariborz Azram, a believer from a Muslim background, was released on 11th April after six months in detention on account of his faith. He was arrested during a raid on his home on 17th October 2011. For most of his time in prison he was denied visitors, and little information about his condition was disclosed to his wife and two children. It remains unclear whether he was released unconditionally or whether bail was paid pending formal charges and a court hearing.
Elsewhere, more than 20 believers remain detained across Iran, because of their Christian faith or activities. Following a series of raids in February and early March, five believers remain detained in Shiraz, three in Kermanshah and at least seven in Isfahan. Among others detained are some who have been held for more than a year, including Noorallah and Farshid who were both arrested in December 2010, and Yousef who has been detained since October 2009 and remains under a death sentence. Behnam, serving a sentence in Karaj since May 2011, is reported to be in ill health and suffering abuse from fellow prisoners.
Iranian Christians supporting these believers thank us for our prayers. The request our continued intercession asking that:
a. Fariborz will be fully acquitted, quickly adjust to normal life, and that his wife and their two children will likewise adapt quickly to his return home
b. Behnam will know the protection and healing touch of Jesus
c. All those still detained for their faith in Him will know the peace, presence and protection of Jesus, and be released soon
d. All officials involved will love mercy, act justly, learn about Jesus and choose to follow Him.
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