Iran Drops Charge Against Women | 1st Dec 09

Iran has dropped a major charge of conducting activities against the state against two Christian women who have been detained since March because of their faith. 27-year-old Maryam Rustampoor, and 30-year old Marzieh Amirizadeh Esmaeilabad were told by a court to renounce their new-found Christian faith and return to Islam. But they have refused. They were arrested on three charges: anti-state activity, propagating the Christian faith, and apostasy – leaving Islam. According to Middle East Concern a judge at the Revolutionary Court has now dropped the charge of carrying out activities against the state.
Their case will now be transferred to a general court, where the other two charges will be considered. In Iran it is illegal for Muslims to change their faith. And legislators are considering mandating the death penalty for Muslim men who change their religion – the penalty for women would be life imprisonment.
Maryam and Marzieh are now back in prison, awaiting their next hearing. Both are said to be in poor health.
‘This is good news that Iran has dropped the unfounded charge of carrying out activities against the state,’ says Release CEO Andy Dipper. ‘What it indicates is how Iran confuses personal matters of faith with national security.’
‘Christians are wrongly regarded as being anti-government in Iran and are heavily persecuted. The state must move to grant full freedom of religion to its citizens.’

Source: Release International

BIBLE STUDY: Acts 16:25-30

PRAISE: God for this important breakthrough, and the faithfulness of Maryam and Marzieh. Pray that they will know the Lord’s comfort each day, and stand firm despite pressure to renounce their faith.