Iran: Two Christians accused of apostasy freed
Oct 14 2008
Postings >> Iran

Two Iranian Christians facing possible execution for leaving Islam have been freed by the courts – but more than 40 other believers like them are behind bars.

Iran's church is encouraged by the release of Mahmood Matin Azad and Arash Basirat: a tribunal has decided charges of apostasy against them were invalid. But Release sources report that 43 other Muslim-background believers are being held across Iran.

Concern is growing as Iran's parliament debates an apostasy bill which would impose a mandatory death sentence on anyone leaving Islam (7x7, 30 September 2008). Parliament approved the bill and the Guardian Council, its next stop, is unlikely to veto that decision.

Details for most Muslim-background believers in detention are sketchy. But Middle East Concern reports that three believers were detained in Urumieh last month – including an Assyrian minister named Shroder and a man called Sobhan.

In August, the authorities arrested Ramtin Soodmand in Mashhad – they hanged his father, Pastor Hossein Soodmand, in 1990 for leaving Islam. And Shahin Zanboori was seized as he shared his faith in Arak. Secret police reportedly broke his arm and leg under interrogation and hanged him from the ceiling to force him to name other Christians.

The last remaining hope is that international pressure may persuade Iran to reconsider the apostasy bill. Mahmood and Arash's release followed a statement by the European Union expressing concern over the proposed legislation.

(Sources: Adnkronos International; Amnesty International; Compass Direct; Middle East Concern)

Praise God for the release of Mahmood Matin Azad and Arash Basirat – and pray for the release of the 43 other Muslim-background believers currently in detention. Pray the apostasy bill will be derailed.

Visit www.releaseinternational.org/prisoners to view Release's new one-minute viral video on Iran and find out how you can campaign against the apostasy bill.