Iranian Christians request prayer for Christian couple Homayoun Zhaveh and Sara Ahmadi, who were detained on 13 August after being summoned to Evin Prison in Tehran.
The couple, who had converted to Christianity, were initially arrested in June 2019. Homayoun was released after a month, but Sara was held in detention for 67 days, including a long period in solitary confinement where she endured extreme psychological pressure.
The following year, in November 2020, Sara was sentenced to 11 years in prison for her alleged role in leading a house church. Her husband, Homayoun, was sentenced to two years for being a member of the house church. The sentence also included a two-year ban on foreign travel, a two-year ban on membership of any social or political group, and six months of community service.
At an appeal hearing in December 2020, the convictions were upheld, but Sara’s prison sentence was reduced to eight years. Their lawyer requested a retrial, but in June 2021 the Supreme Court refused the application.
Homayoun and Sara expected to start their prison sentences on 15 June 2021, but when they presented themselves at Evin Prison they were told they could return home for the time being.
On 13 August this year, Homayoun and Sara were summoned to the prison under the pretence of having their confiscated property returned. Instead, they were both detained.
Friends are concerned about their well-being, especially as Homayoun suffers from advanced Parkinson’s disease.
Source: : Middle East Concern
Please Pray
Pray that God will comfort, encourage, and strengthen Homayoun and Sara at this difficult time.
Pray that their harsh sentences will be reviewed, especially since Homayoun is in poor health, and that they will be acquitted of all charges.
Pray for the Iranian authorities who persecute citizens who choose to follow Christ.