Iran's abuses widespread despite reform promise

(Image courtesy Voice of the Martyrs)

Iran (MNN) ― Iran's regime has made stopping the spread of Christianity a cornerstone of its crackdown on religious freedom.

It's those actions and others like them that have drawn closer scrutiny from the United Nations. The UN's special rapporteur for human rights in Iran has said the country has shown "no sign of improvement" in human rights and "continues to warrant serious concern."

Spokesman for the Voice of the Martyrs USA Todd Nettleton says Iran dismissed the findings. "Their instant response was, ‘Well, this is biased. He doesn't know what he's talking about.' But the reality is: this is what we see happening inside Iran."

There are estimated to be as many as 370,000 Christians in Iran, according to the most recent U.S. State Department report. The UN report noted Iran's "authorities continue to compel licensed Protestant churches to restrict Persian-speaking and Muslim-born Iranians from participating in services, and raids and forced closures of house churches are ongoing.... More than 300 Christians have been arrested since 2010, and dozens of church leaders and active community members have reportedly been convicted of national security crimes in connection with church activities, such as organizing prayer groups, proselytizing, and attending Christian seminars abroad."

Recent attempts to show a more moderate face aren't really convincing, adds Nettleton. "They're not going to fool the people inside Iran who know this is going on, and they're not going to fool the international community because the stories are just too consistent. Even though they would like for the information to stay locked in Iran, it does get out, and groups like the Voice of the Martyrs and others are able to say, ‘This is what's really happening behind the scenes.'"

In fact, a Voice of the Martyrs Canada report indicates Iranian Christians are requesting prayer following a series of arrests that took place about the time the government released some prisoners in an effort to appear more liberal.

At least 20 Christians, mainly from Muslim backgrounds, were detained in Tehran, Karaj, Isfahan, and Tabriz. As a sign of being politically progressive, the government of newly-appointed President Hassan Rouhani pardoned and then released 11 prisoners of conscience on September 20. Two of them were Christians.

Meanwhile, Christian Solidarity Worldwide released a report that documented the sentencing of four Christian men to 80 lashes on Oct. 6.  The men were arrested in a house church after a communion service last December and charged with consuming alcohol in violation of the theocracy's strict laws. The group has ten days to appeal.

How does the new regime respond to international concerns? It's not really up to the administration, explains Nettleton. "Presidents will come and go. The Supreme Council is really where the power's at in Iran. They will decide what the human rights situation is in Iran, and as I said, they're Islamic mullahs, so they're going to go according to Islamic law which teaches that if you leave Islam to follow another religion like Christianity, you're an apostate. The call for that is the death penalty."

Young Iranians, who make up a majority of the population, are dissatisfied with both their religion and government. Why? "One of the real side effects of the human rights situation and the abuse of people in Iran is that it's being done in the name of the government, which is an Islamic government. The people identify that as being done by Islam, so they see the failure of Islam in their country, and they are very open to the Gospel."

That's resulted in a rapidly-growing Church in Iran, which cycles back around again to clerical rulers who see Christianity as a threat to Iran's majority ultra-orthodox Shiite Islamic religion, a crackdown, disillusionment, and more growth.

Persecution has intensified since 2005, with marked increases in 2011 and 2012. Authorities raid house church services, detain worshipers and threaten church members. The publishing, importation, or reprinting of Bibles or Christian literature is illegal.

VOM supports satellite TV and radio broadcasts that are instrumental in sharing the Gospel and teaching the growing church. Nettleton observes, "That's the good news. It is coming with persecution; we believe there are 42 publicly known cases of Christians who are currently in prison in Iran, so that growth is coming with a price."

It's very difficult for us to truly understand the tremendous pressures Muslim converts face in a society that harshly opposes the Christian faith. The Voice of the Martyrs comes alongside this remnant. "One of the very significant ways that we're involved in Iran is to produce Bibles for the Iranian church and deliver them--get them into the hands of the Christians inside Iran," Nettleton explains. "Another thing that we're involved in is helping people to advocate and encourage some of those Christians who are in prison."

The stresses of Evin Prison often fall upon active Christians in Iran

Nasim is an Iranian Christian convert sentenced to
 four years in prison for her faith.
 (Photo by Iranian Christian News Agency)

Iran (ICNA) ― According to the Iranian Christian News Agency, Maryam Naghash-Zargaran (also known as Nasim) is an Iranian Christian convert currently serving her four-year prison sentence in the women's ward of Evin prison.

ICNA reports that Nasim was transferred to Modares hospital on Sunday, September 29, to be treated for her heart disease. Having had heart surgery before, mental pressures in prison resulted in her heart attack, and as a result she was transferred to the hospital. As of now, there are no details about her condition.

Nasim also suffered depression due to inappropriate conditions in prison.

The 35-year-old Christian was first arrested in the winter of 2013 for "acting against national security." On the day of her arrest, she received a phone call from the intelligence police on Vozara Street in Tehran. When summoned there, she was immediately arrested and kept for three days. Then she was transferred to Evin prison and remained there for 19 days. After that, she was released on bail.

Since the time of her arrest, security authorities have searched her house several times, confiscating her personal belongings as well as any Christian-related material.

Later she was called for her trial at branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran. There, Judge Mohammad Moghiseh sentenced her to four years in prison for "propagating against the Islamic regime and colluding to undermine national security." She appealed the ruling but the appeals court upheld her sentence. Nasim was summoned to prison to start serving her sentence on July 15, 2013 in the women's ward of Evin prison.

Her name previously had not been published among Christian prisoners in Evin, which raises speculation that there are more unknown Christian prisoners in Iranian prisons.

At the same time, reports indicate that three other Christian convert activists--Somayeh Bakhtiari, Ronak Samavat, and Nasim Zanjani--are still being held in prison. These Christian women had been arrested and imprisoned in the first half of the Persian year (March - September). They were accused of holding prayer and worship meetings in house-churches.

The court verdict for Nasim, a copy of which was provided to Mohabat News, states that "she converted from Islam to Protestant Christianity through her sister who lives abroad. She is an active member of the Central Assemblies of God Church as well. Through Pastor Saeed, she started a house-church to proselytize Muslim youth. She is an evangelist herself and is in contact with...ministries."

(Some names of individuals and places mentioned in this verdict will not be made public for security reasons.)

Another part of this verdict states, "She has traveled to Turkey several times with Christian-related intentions and stayed at...Hotel where Christians often assemble for evangelical purposes. In July, she took 20 women with her on a trip to Ramsar and held classes for them to attract them to Christianity. Additionally, although she had signed a disclaimer not to collaborate with the Assemblies of God Church, she went to the church on Sundays and Tuesdays and is still in contact with Pastor.... The court considers her actions as supporting the anti-security intentions of England and Israel to spread house churches in Iran and to divert the Islamic society from the way of truth. Based on these allegations, and according to articles 46 and 610 of the Islamic penal code, she will be sentenced to four years in prison which includes the time she has been under detention."

To counter non-Shi'ite religions in Iran, especially Christianity, the Islamic regime of Iran raises unfounded allegations against Christians, including moral and financial accusations, and spying for England and Israel.

Iranian judicial and security authorities have repeatedly tried to make up false allegations against Christian converts to pressure them and distort public opinion about them. Most of these false allegations are political and argue that house-churches are actually political groups which are in contact with/spy for foreign countries like England and Israel. In most of the Christian cases, Iranian authorities try to downplay the religious aspect of these cases and make them appear as political cases in order to unmercifully sentence them and avoid international pressure.

It is interesting to note that just before President Hassan Rouhani's trip to New York to attend the UN General Assembly, two Christian woman prisoners, Maryam Jalili and Mitra Rahmati, were released together with a number of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience. The women had been sentenced to two and a half years in prison. When they were released, only one month remained on their prison sentence.

Pray that Nasim would recover. Pray for awareness of Christians like Nasim, and for their strength. Pray that the spread of the gospel would continue in Iran despite the resistance to it.

A rescue mission is planned for pastor in Iran

Turkey (MNN) ― A rescue mission is underway for Pastor Saeed Abedini, a Christian arrested for starting home churches in Iran. But it's more like a rescue intervention.

Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition in Washington, D.C. is taking action in this crisis and plans to leave the U.S. this Sunday for Turkey to meet and talk to Iranian officials there for the release of Abedini.

Once in Turkey, Mahoney hopes that he can make a difference. "I will not be speaking on a political level, but rather as one faith leader to another."

Rev. Mahoney says he's going on this rescue mission in "hopes of securing the release of Pastor Abedini who is serving an 8-year prison sentence because of his Christian beliefs." Rev. Mahoney says, "Every person should be afforded the right to express their faith traditions, free from government persecution, harassment, and intimidation. No one should have to suffer violence or brutality because of what they believe."

Abedini's wife teamed up with The Christian Defense Coalition and America Center for Law and Justice to hold a prayer vigil in front of the White House yesterday--the one-year anniversary of Abedini ‘s imprisonment. This prayer vigil was one of dozens held across the country and around the world for the release of Abedini and religious freedom.

Pray for safety for Mahoney. Pray also that the hearts of Iranian officials will be softened. Click here for more information on other prayer vigils and updates, and to join 600,000 others who have signed a petition securing the release of Saeed Abedini.

Good news for believers from Iran

Pastor Robert Asseriyan. (Photo courtesy Mohabat News)

Iran (VOM) ― Despite reports of crackdowns on Christians in Iran, there is one bright spot.

According to reports from Mohabat News and the Voice of the Martyrs USA, Pastor Robert Asseriyan, one of the leaders of the Assembly of God Church in Tehran, was released from prison. He had been arrested during a worship service at the church on May 21.

The Farsi services at the church--one of the last "building churches" that remained open in Iran--have been forcibly closed down by the police, according to Mohabat News.

It seems one of the conditions for Pastor Asseriyan's release was his silence, as authorities instructed him and his family not to be interviewed by the media or to make public statements about his arrest, his 43 days in prison, or conditions for his release. The status of the charges against him is unclear at this time.

Often in Iran, Christians are released from jail after making substantial bail payments, but the charges against them are never dropped. In this way, police can pick them up at any time in the future and can use the unresolved case against them to pressure them to cease Christian activities.

Please continue to pray for Pastor Asseriyan and his family. Pray also for other Christians who remain imprisoned in Iran. You can write letters of encouragement to several of them through the Prisoner Alert Web site.

Be a part of a petition

(Photo Courtesy of BP)

Iran (MNN) ― You can be a part of saving a life. An Iranian-born pastor, who is a U.S. citizen, was arrested by the Iranian government on September 26, 2012. He is undergoing physical and mental torture in a notoriously brutal Tehran prison. An international campaign for his release is being shared, according to the American Center of Law and Justice (ACLJ).

On January 27, Saeed Abedini was sentenced to eight years in prison for establishing a network of Christian house churches years ago and for "attempting to sway Iranian youth away from Islam."

Since his conviction, he has not been allowed to communicate with his wife and two children who are in the United States, according to Baptist Press.

In the beginning of February, his Iranian relatives were allowed to visit him. According to FoxNews.com, he expressed apprehension and concern for his future. Abedini asked if there were international efforts to secure his freedom, the news network said, adding that his downtrodden spirit "is due to abuse and brainwashing techniques used by prison officials."

"It is no surprise that the Iranian prison guards are engaging in this kind of psychological abuse," Jordan Sekulow, ACLJ's executive director, told FoxNews.com. "We know that Pastor Saeed is undergoing physical beatings and torture. And we know there is growing concern about his health."

One of the many things ACLJ has done for the pastor is to launch a Web site SaveSaeed.org, and they are promoting #SaveSaeed on Twitter.

As of Monday (Feb. 11,) almost 195,000 people had signed a petition at SaveSaeed.org asking the United Nations, European Union, and Council of Europe to mobilize their resources to require Iran to honor its treaties and its constitution, and release the pastor.

ACLJ is looking for 300,000 signatures for this petition. That means for every day Saeed is supposed to be in prison, 100 people will have signed the petition. ACLJ believes that the more people are calling for Abedini's release, the more international media, governments, and world leaders are willing to put pressure on Iran to grant his freedom.

If you would like to sign this petition, click here. You can be a part of getting Pastor Saeed Abedini his freedom back. Also on the site are videos of Steven Curtis Chapman, TobyMac, Bart Millard of MercyMe, and other musicians and concerned citizens who have joined the effort.

Pray for Saeed as he is facing many trials in prison. Pray for his safety and continued strength to keep fighting. Ask God to give his wife and children the support they need at this time. Pray that God will use this devastating situation for growing His kingdom.

Lawyers to challenge Abedini's sentencing, but more help is needed

Iran (MNN) ― Calling it a "mockery of justice," lawyers representing the family of an American pastor jailed in an Iranian prison won’t let his conviction pass without challenge.

Tiffany Barrans is the International Legal Director for the American Center for Law and Justice. She says, “Under Iranian law, Pastor Saeed and his attorney in Iran have 20 days from the sentencing to appeal. We have heard from him and the lawyer in Iran that that is something they do plan to do, although we recognize that the fruitfulness of those appeals are rarely successful.”

Pastor Saeed Abedini was sentenced to 8 years Sunday on charges that included "disrupting national security."

Barrans explains, “In 2000 to 2005, it was not unlawful for Pastor Saeed to have a house church in Iran. In fact, it’s technically not unlawful today. But because he had this church from 2000 to 2005, the regime says NOW that those actions were a threat to the national security of Iran.”

Abedini, a Christian pastor who became an American citizen in 2010, was arrested in September last year for his involvement in an underground house church movement. However, he plainly stated his visit in Iran was to help establish an orphanage.

On January 25, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said the State Department is "actively engaged in the case" and called for his release. The extra pressure can only serve to help, notes Barrans. “Because we lack diplomatic ties with Iran, we need other governments--governments that are trade partners, governments that are closely tied, even with religious affiliation to Iran--to step up to Iran and say that they need to release Pastor Saeed and all prisoners of conscience inside Iran.”

(Story image courtesy of ACLJ)

Barrans goes on to say that international pressure, similar to that which built up surrounding Youcef Nadarkhani’s case, is one avenue they’ll pursue for recourse in Abedini’s case. “We do believe that this is something that is bigger than the judiciary, but we are hopeful that through international attention, through international pressure, and gaining some support from governments who have economic ties and diplomatic ties with Iran, we will be able to see this conviction dropped.”

The Iranian government has long been adversarial to Christians, according to the reports from religious rights groups like Open Doors and the Voice of the Martyrs. Barrans explains, “They see that Christianity is a threat because it’s growing in Iran. Iran is a theocracy of Islam so, as the youth start to turn to Christ, they find that they have less control over their people.”

Pray for a change of heart, for an overturning of the conviction. Pray that Pastor Abedini will maintain his faith and hope in Christ while in the notorious Evin Prison. Mobilizing advocates is another way to let the Iranian government know this case has not been forgotten.

There’s a petition circulating from the ACLJ, calling for Abedini’s release, among other things. More than raising the awareness, it’s calling governments to account. Barrans concludes,“It’s so important for us to make sure this concept of religious freedom and how it affects the security of every country around the world, when it is violated, is taken to the world leaders so that they start to put pressure on Iran. So that really is our focus right now, in making sure that we have other government support.”

U.S. Representatives demand intervention for persecuted pastor

(Image courtesy of ACLJ)

USA (MNN) ― U.S. Congressmen are demanding more action from national leadership on behalf of Pastor Abedini, an Iranian American pastor from Boise, Idaho.

While "protecting human rights around the world is central to U.S. foreign policy," as stated on the U.S. State Department's Web site, it remained silent following Abedini's arrest in September 2012. The governmental body didn't issue a peep during the pastor's subsequent months of imprisonment in Iran's notorious Evin Prison.

Last Friday, the State Department commented on Abedini's situation in a daily press briefing.

"We remain very concerned about U.S. citizen Saeed Abedini, who is detained in Iran on charges related to his religious beliefs," said spokesperson Victoria Nuland. "We call on the Iranian authorities to respect Mr. Abedini's human rights and to release him."

Two days later, the persecuted pastor received an 8-year sentence from the Iranian courts. His crime? "Planting house churches that are intended to undermine national security," Abedini's lawyer told Mohabat News.

"In the Middle East, they react by strength. You show weakness, they react against weakness. When you show strength, they, in many cases, back off," says Illinois Congressman Adam Kinzinger.

He adds, "If you have the President of the United States come out and [make] it obvious and evident that he's paying attention to what's going on..., it makes it hard for a nation to put them in a facility...that is known for torture and terrible conditions."

In December 2012, Fox News brought Abedini's story to light when his wife expressed hope that a media campaign would help set him free. Nearly a month later, the State Department made its first comments on the situation.

In mid-January, Kinzinger and his fellow Congressmen wrote a letter of appeal to Secretary of State Clinton, calling the U.S. to intervene on Abedini's behalf.

"The administration has seemed to be hesitant to engage, concerned they might offend Iran or something like that," says Kinzinger. "But it's important to engage at this level. So we sent this message, and hopefully it hit home loud and clear."

Overall, says Kinzinger, the government's response to this cut-and-dry example of persecution is lackluster at best.

"It's been pretty disappointing to me, frankly, how the State Department has not engaged on this issue. This is something very serious," he states.

But despite America's rocky relationship with Iran, Kinzinger believes a happy ending is possible.

He says, "It's important for the administration to come out and stand tall, and say it's time for the pastor to be released. I think we can see a positive end to this."

Encourage your friends to sign the petition for Pastor Abedini, and keep him in your prayers. Pray that President Obama would take a stronger stand on this issue.

Government increases pressure on Christ-followers

(Image courtesy of Wikipedia)

Iran (MNN) ― Iran is putting more pressure on Christians. In recent days, the government demanded personal details from members of a Tehran church.

"People thought maybe a hundred or so would come forward, and over 700 came forward, gave their names and addresses and said, 'Here we are. Here's where we stand,'" an Operation Mobilizationworker focused on Iran told us at Urbana 12.

The Islamic republic of Iran ranks #5 on Open Doors USA's World Watch List, a compilation of countries most resistant to Christianity. Under Iran's harsh apostasy law, anyone from a Muslim background who becomes a Christ-follower faces the death penalty.

The OM worker said for "Muslims who follow Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, there are often huge obstacles and problems…they'll lose their jobs, their bank accounts are frozen, and in general, life becomes very difficult."

Take Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, for example.

In 2009, Nadarkhani was arrested for protesting the Islamic indoctrination in his sons' school system. He served nearly three years in prison, refusing the multiple opportunities to recant his faith. Despite an execution order signed in February 2012, the pastor was acquitted of apostasy and released seven months later.

Nadarkhani was taken into custody again on Christmas Day. Officials claimed that he must finish the remainder of his sentence, approximately 45 days. In September, the courts had stated that Nadarkhani could finish his remaining time in probation.

"There's not been freedom of religion [in Iran]," the OM worker explained. "There has not been basic recognition of human rights, freedom of conscience, and freedom to practice your faith, especially if you're a Muslim who decides that you want to believe in Jesus Christ."

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports that December marks a traditional crack-down on Christians by the Iranian regime. Following Nadarkhani's arrest on Christmas Day, nearly 50 believers were arrested at a Tehran home two days later. CSW says most were released after surrendering mobile phones, full contact details, and passwords to e-mails and social networking sites.

Despite a myriad of challenges, believers are standing firm.

There's a resiliency among Iranians who want to follow Christ, said the worker, "sort of like the story of the man who sold everything in order to get that treasure buried under the ground.

"They value the precious treasure they've found; they're willing to lose everything for…the sake of finding Christ."

What can you do to help them?

"Simply praying for the Church is one of the most significant ways that we can stand with them," the OM worker said.

"The other way we can help is through advocacy. Write to the Iranian embassy, write to the government; Iranian Christians should worship, practice their faith, without fear of persecution."

Iranian lawyer imprisoned, sentenced to 9 years in Evin

Iran (MNN) ― Human rights watchdog Amnesty International is demanding freedom for lawyer Mohammad Ali Dadkhah. He's currently detained in Tehran's notorious Evin prison, sentenced to nine years of imprisonment.

"I was in a court in Tehran defending one of my clients--a jailed political activist on death row," Dadkhah told theGuardian, a UK news service, "when the judge told me that my own sentence has been approved and I will be shortly summoned to jail to serve the 9-year sentence."

It's not the first time he's been behind the bars of Evin. In 2009, Dadkhah was tortured and held in solitary confinement for the majority of his 74-day incarceration.

Ask the Lord to protect Mohammad Ali Dadkhah. Pray that the charges against him would be dropped.

"I have been convicted of acting against the national security, spreading propaganda against the regime, and keeping banned books at home," he said.

He was also banned from practicing law for the next decade. A co-founder of the Centre for Human Rights Defenders (CHRD), Dadkhah was convicted in July 2011 of charges that included "membership of an association [the CHRD] seeking the soft overthrow of the government" and "spreading propaganda against the system through interviews with foreign media." The CHRD was forcibly closed in 2008 by Iranian authorities.

Dadkhah is the fourth CHRD member to be imprisoned within the last 18 months.

"He should never have been put on trial for his legitimate human rights activities," said Ann Harrison, Deputy Middle East and North Africa Program Director at Amnesty International.

"The Iranian authorities must overturn his conviction and sentence, and release him immediately and unconditionally."

Dadkhah has defended the rights of many high-profile clients, including Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani who faced apostasy charges and a potential death sentence. With the help of Dadkhah and international pressure, Nadarkhani's case was dropped, and he returned to his family last month.

"Mohammad Ali Dadkhah and other human rights defenders should be encouraged and supported in their lawful and important work instead of being persecuted for their activism," Harrison continued.

The World Organization Against Torture (OMCT) also condemned the sentencing of Dadkhah and Iran's continual harassment of CHRD members.

"The authorities in Iran are doing their utmost to stifle human rights defenders by imposing heavy sentences of imprisonment, exile, and ban on professional practice," said Gerald Staberock, OMCT secretary general.

"All this is aimed at intimidating the whole society into a deadly silence."

In 2011, the UN Human Rights Committee expressed concern over the reported persecution of human rights defenders (HRDs) in Iran. It stated that "human rights defenders and defense lawyers often serve prison sentences based on vaguely formulated crimes such as 'mohareb' (enemy of God) or the spreading of propaganda against the establishment."

French publication fuels Muslim anger

(Story Photo by Rae Burnett)

Egypt (MNN) ― The last day or two have been without blaring headlines describing Muslim rioting, but that could all change. 

A French magazine this week published vulgar caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad, despite government entreaties not to publish the images. In response, the French government ordered embassies and schools to close Friday in about 20 countries.

The incident is likely to raise tensions that were already dangerously high. It follows days of violent protests from Asia to Africa against the U.S.-produced film "Innocence of Muslims" and turned France into a potential target of Muslim rage

But don't be fooled, says Rae Burnett with Christian Aid Mission. "The film was just a pretext for the violence." She goes on to explain that the event gave a cover story for lashing out at intended targets--a theory that's been substantiated by the Libyan government. Further, says Burnett, "Since the violence has subsided, nothing has gotten better because these believers are in grave danger. They're afraid of being slaughtered because everything is intensifying."

That concern is magnified by the feeling of isolation. "They [extremists] are overtly burning churches and persecuting Christians and kidnapping their children...just terrible things far surpassing what they used to experience, and the world is silent." 

Burnett says the real story is the uncertainty. Christian Aid supports indigenous ministries who seek to engage the lost people of Egypt through holding house meetings, setting up Bible training, and doing evangelistic outreach. She explains that "one of these guys called me the first day of the rioting in Egypt and said, ‘They're burning Bibles in front of the U.S. embassy.' They were doing those kinds of things just to show their hostility, and they were burning churches and things that weren't reported."

The threat plays out on the political stage, but Burnett says, "This is all spiritual warfare. We're seeing it in a political environment because that's the environment through which this takes place. But the point is to destroy the work of the Lord and to destroy those who might come into the Kingdom, to keep people in darkness."

Given that understanding, the workers supported by Christian Aid Mission haven't fled. "It hasn't diminished any of their efforts. The main group that we help just had a conference of their workers, training their workers and praying together to ask the Lord for direction. So they are going forward in the work, but they are really discouraged about the political situation and the future of Christianity in Egypt." 

They're careful, but they won't be intimidated. Burnett says the Coptic Church is targeted because they have a noticeable presence in Egypt. However, "The people that we're helping generally meet in homes. They might have an office somewhere if they can afford that, so they're less of a target. Of course, because of their evangelistic efforts, people know who they are."

The Gospel, as she's said multiple times, is still going forward. It's about standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the worn out believers of Egypt and advancing together. Burnett says, "We have to understand that and pray accordingly and act accordingly to be lights in the darkness." Pray for creative and effective approaches to spread God's Word in Egypt. Pray for open hearts. Pray for change in the chaos.

Turmoil in the Middle East spreads

(File photos courtesy SAT-7)

Middle East (MNN/SAT7) ―Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood has called for a nationwide peaceful demonstration today to condemn insults to Prophet Mohammad from an amateurish film.

The announcement followed the attacks against U.S. Embassies in Libya and Egypt. Demonstrators also attacked the U.S. embassies in Yemen and Egypt (again) on Thursday. The spreading turmoil was a response to a film they consider blasphemous to Islam.

An investigation has begun into the events surrounding Tuesday's attack on the U.S. embassy in Libya, which resulted in the death of the U.S. ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans. Eight Libyans were injured in that violence.

Protests also erupted in Iraq and Iran, as students in Tehran protested outside the Swiss embassy. In Bangladesh, Islamists tried to march on the U.S. embassy in Dhaka but were turned back by police. There were also reported protests at U.S. missions in Tunisia, Sudan, and Morocco.

The film may have been the vehicle used to stir up tensions, especially in light of the September 11 anniversary. SAT-7 CEOTerry Ascott says, "That reaction is inflamed by people who have a vested interest, like Al Qaeda, in exploiting people's anger at the West. It's a bit of a coincidence, one might say, that this flared up all within hours in Egypt, in Yemen, in Libya, in other places. It seems somewhat orchestrated."

Security was being increased at U.S. diplomatic stations around the globe, but what about ministries? "There have been specific threats against, for example, Egyptian Christians in Yemen and churches and Christians, in general...anyone who is a ‘cross worshipper,' as they say in the street."

Ascott goes on to say, "It's not the people that are making the movies or the cartoons in the Western world that pay the price for their enjoyment of free speech. It is the Christians in the Middle East that bear the brunt of the reaction that inevitably comes."

Throughout the Middle East and North Africa, it's a common belief that Christianity is a Western religion. Therefore, when trouble occurs similar to what's happened this week, entities with Western connections are targeted, and that includes ministries.

SAT-7 has an office in Cairo. When asked if there was a contingency plan for the staff, Ascott first said, "We do have heavy fences and cameras and security people around our building, but it certainly would not be enough if a mob decided to attack the building."

However, Ascott went on to explain that they're also being vigilant. "If there are signs of trouble, we would try to evacuate our staff from the premises before that got out of hand. But we don't have armed guards on the building to protect it from a riot."

Still, the staff is putting together programs that will address much of what has happened this week in the region.

Interestingly, the SAT-7 ARABIC team had already begun a series of programs called Forbidden, which address issues relevant to North Africa. Presenter Emad D. is a Tunisian poet and pastor. The inspiration for the program comes from John 11:35, "Jesus wept." Emad wants to show the Arab world that Jesus cares about them and weeps over them.

Emad hopes to use testimonies to demonstrate that the Church is spreading all over the world, and longs to see equality between people of all religions--with more respect for new believers. Ascott states that the program aims to overcome negative perceptions of the Church.

Another team is doing a live show on Saturday. Ascott says, "In the situation with the Middle East where there are so many agendas, so many tensions between so many different groups, we're trying to bring reconciliation through better understanding, advocacy of forgiveness, and so on--some of the things that are unique in the Christian Gospel."

Pray wisdom for the production teams. Pray for safety for the staff. Pray for peace to return. Pray for open hearts.

'Christians, they will pay for this,' says e3 Partners

A protester reacts as the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi is seen in f
lames during a protest by an armed group said to have been protesting
a film being produced in the United States September 11, 2012.
 (REUTERS/Esam Al-Fetori)

International (MNN) ― The world is on alert in the aftermath of the attack on two United States embassies. First, protesters scaled the walls of the embassy in Cairo, tearing down the U.S. flag and replacing it with an Islamic one. 

Then, Islamist extremists attacked the embassy in Benghazi, Libya killing Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other diplomats.

The attacks reignite an already volatile situation in the region. Tie that together with civil war in Syria and the region is unstable at best.

Vice President of e3 Partners Tom Doyle is puzzled about how quiet Egypt's president has been in all this. "As far as I've seen, there hasn't been an official statement for Mohammad Morsi."

On the other hand, Doyle says, "The Libyan government issued a statement of regret and sorrow about the things that happened. It is definitely gang warfare in Libya."

With Libya up for grabs politically, Christians in Egypt are concerned. "They were very concerned that this brotherhood sweep in Egypt would just flow over into Libya and take that over. If that happens, virtually the land space -- that's half of North Africa being led by the radicals."

This recent violence against the United States could be just a glimpse of things to come. "It seems to be in the Middle East a contest of who can outdo each other in their radical allegiance to the Quran and Mohammad."

What about Christians in this region? "There's always the tie from Muslims to believers in their country to the west -- to America, the great Satan. When you see these things, most people don't think about what that means for the Christians. They will pay a price for this."

While the tension is ratcheted up since the attacks, Doyle says many Muslims are sick of the violence. "They've been seeing Muslims kill Muslims. And many young people have had enough of that. You won't see that on the news."

Doyle says, "Isn't it amazing that today the countries of conflict--look at Iran--boast the fastest-growing church per capita in the world right now, according to Operation World. The hotspots in the world is where the church is thriving and flourishing and growing faster than in those countries than it probably ever has in 2,000 years."

With the commemoration of the 9/11 attacks and these recent attacks, Muslims in the west are being marginalized. 

Doyle says Christians should "reach out to them. Start a conversation about Jesus. You will be shocked at how open they are to receive your friendship and just your greeting. Jesus could use this to really reach out to a Muslim."

Youcef Nadarkhani and Rimsha Masih

-- Two Christian prisoners walk 'free'

By Elizabeth Kendal
Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin (RLPB) 176 
Special to ASSIST News Service

AUSTRALIA (ANS) -- Over the weekend of 8-9 September two persecuted, imprisoned and much-prayed-for Christians -- Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani (34) of Iran and Rimsha Masih (14) of Pakistan -- walked free from their cells into the warm embrace of family. While we praise and thank the LORD for granting these blessings, we must recognise that these battles are not over. We must persist in prayer.

PASTOR YOUCEF NADARKHANI (IRAN)

On Saturday 8 September, after more than 1000 days in jail, Youcef Nadarkhani -- the sorely persecuted pastor who repeatedly refused to renounce his LORD -- emerged a free man, unbroken. The court acquitted Nadarkhani of apostasy, the charge for which he had been sentenced to death. According to Mohammad-Ali Dadkhah, Nadarkhani's lawyer, the court 'finally accepted our argument' that Iran's penal code did not 'criminalise apostasy' (Financial Times, 9 Sep). However, the court did find Nadarkhani guilty of 'evangelising Muslims'. For this 'crime' he was sentenced to three years imprisonment but granted time served and released.

While we rejoice that Pastor Youcef is out of jail, enjoying the fellowship of believers and the joyful, tender warmth of his wife and sons, we must remember that Nadarkhani's life might be more at risk now than ever. Iran's penal code might not criminalise apostasy but Islamic Sharia law does. Furthermore, as this prayer mini stry previously cautioned in RLPB 173, 'by launching a new trial with unprovable accusations [extortion and banditry], the regime may be seeking to "wash its hands" publicly of Nadarkhani and release him to the Islamists and secret police while declaring itself "innocent of this man's blood" (after the manner of Pontius Pilate in Matthew 27:24), as has happened before in Iran.' Furthermore, a second conviction of 'evangelising Muslims' would doubtless be punished more severely than the first. We must also remember that numerous Iranian Christians remain in prison, including Pastor Behnam Irani (41; married, with two children) who is gravely ill.

RIMSHA MASIH (PAKISTAN)

Rimsha Masih (14) was granted bail on 7 September but could not leave prison until adequate security was arranged. On Sunday 9 September she was transported in a bulletproof armoured vehicle to a helicopter that flew her to a secret location where she should be safe from the radicalised Muslim mobs that demand her death. 

Rimsha will face court again on Sunday 16 September and should be acquitted. Having been accused of blasphemy, Rimsha in reality is not safe anywhere in Pakistan -- her innocence is irrelevant! Unless the family is removed to a safe-haven in the West, she will eventually be killed -- probably sooner rather than later.

Whilst Rimsha's plight is terrible, what it says about the Pakistani society in which Christians have to live is far worse. And because the authorities have been able to turn this case into one about age and mental capacity (Rimsha is a mentally impaired juvenile) and a local imam has been accused of evidence-tampering, they have been able to whitewash the whole crisis completely so that it is no longer about the blasphemy law and endemic religious hatred at all. The danger is, that with the next crisis waiting in the wings, the real issues are not being addressed. A few voices of protest and disgus t are being raised, warning that Pakistan will be torn apart unless Wahhabi Saudi Arabian, Sunni fundamentalist ideology is countered. However, political courage is in short supply.

While we rejoice that Rimsha is out of jail and back in the comforting arms of her loving parents, we must resist the temptation to cry 'peace, peace' when there is no peace! At this stage, nothing has changed in Pakistan.

[For more details see Pakistan: religious hatred not being addressed

Religious Liberty Monitoring, 5 Sep 2012]

PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT THE LORD WILL --

• intervene in Iran and (as in RLPB 128) 'redeem the suffering of Iran's Church, so that this persecution will actually have the opposite effect to what is intended. (Habakkuk 2:14)'
  
• intervene i n Pakistan and (as in RLPB 173) 'redeem all this appalling suffering, and use it to shame and awaken Pakistani Muslims to the ugliness that has engulfed them, softening their hearts to the Good News so that they and even their whole communities can be radically transformed. (Isaiah 2:2-4)'

'Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.' (Psalm 126:6 TNIV)

• be a strong shield and fortress around Youcef Nadarkhani and Rimsha Masih as well as all their family members; may angels guard them, and may those who seek to kill them be frustrated and ashamed. (Isaiah 26:1-6 and Psalm 141:8-10)

Iran: Pastor Nadarkhani Released, Acquitted Of Apostasy

He thanks everyone who supported and prayed for him

By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries

IRAN (ANS) -- ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net) has confirmed that Youcef Nadarkhani, the Church of Iran pastor sentenced to death for apostasy, has been released and is now at home with his family.

According to reliable sources, including Christian Solidarity Worldwide (www.csw.org.uk) and Present Truth Ministries (www.presenttruthmn.com), Pastor Nadarkhani was acquitted of apostasy, but found guilty of evangelizing Muslims during court proceedings that took place today (Saturday, September 8, 2012).

He was sentenced to three years imprisonment for the latter charge, but released because he had already served this time.

Pastor Nadarkhani was arrested in his home city of Rasht in 2009 soon after questioning the Muslim monopoly of religious instruction for children, which he felt was unconstitutional. He was sentenced to death for apostasy in 2010, a decision that was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2011. Although the Iranian penal code did not specify death for apostasy, a constitutional loophole allowed judges to refer to Sharia law and authoritative fatwas to justify such a sentence. Today the pastor had been expected to face new charges for unspecified crimes, but was instead released.

CSW’s Chief Executive, Mervyn Thomas said, “CSW is delighted to learn of Pastor Nadarkhani's release after a long incarceration. We commend the Iranian judiciary for this step, which is a triumph for justice and the rule of law. While we rejoice at this wonderful news, we do not forget hundreds of others who are harassed or unjustly detained on account of their faith, and CSW is committed to continue campaigning until all of Iran's religious minorities are able to enjoy religious freedom as guaranteed under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is party.”

Jason DeMars of Present Truth Ministries, “We give thanks to God for his deliverance and the answer to our prayers. Our sources in Iran have informed us that Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani has been acquitted of apostasy and found guilty of evangelizing Muslims. He has been sentenced to 3 years in prison which he has already served.

“He has been released from prison and has now been reunited with his family and is at home with them.”

DeMars added that Pastor Youcef had said, “Thank you to everyone that has supported me with your prayers.”

“We are filled with joy from this news and are so grateful that God has delivered our brother,” said DeMars.

“Please don’t forget what happened to Pastor Mehdi Dibaj who had his apostasy charges reversed and then was murdered shortly after his release. Pray for him, his family and everyone involved in his case.”

Christian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani to Face New Charges in Iran

A Source Says That ‘Banditry and Extortion’ Will Replace ‘Apostasy’ Charge

By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries
ASSIST News Service (ANS)

IRAN (ANS) -- A 35-year-old Christian pastor, who has spent nearly three years behind bars in Iran and has been sentenced to death for refusing to renounce his faith, has been ordered to appear in court next month, where he is expected to face new charges.

Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani faces new charges

According to the Farsi Christian News Network (www.fcnn.com) the charges of “banditry and extortion” will replace “apostasy” for Youcef Nadarkhani.

“The new leveled charges raise concern that following widespread international criticism about the ruling issued for Mr. Nadarkhani, Iranian authorities wish to influence the case process by bringing up arbitrary charges. The new trial adds to these concerns,” said a spokesperson for FCCN.

The news service went on to quote the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, which said that Pastor Youcef will be put on a new trial on Monday, August 27.

Nadarkhani, who refused to repent from being a Christian in earlier judicial proceedings and faces a death sentence, is now facing these new charges of “banditry and extortion.”

The Christian pastor’s earlier charges were “apostasy” and “converting to Christianity,” but the new charges of “banditry and extortion” were first mentioned last year on the Farsi News Agency (http://english.farsnews.com).

FCCN said that a source close to the case of Youcef Nadarkhani “who wishes to remain anonymous on security grounds” told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran that, “Mr. Nadarkhani’s ‘banditry’ charges are fundamentally meaningless; he is not a thief or a bandit. This is a new accusation leveled against him for unknown reasons.”

Youcef Nadarkhani was born to Muslim parents and converted to Christianity at the age of 19.

Nadarkhani’s death sentence on charges of apostasy was upheld by Branch 11 of Gilan Province’s Appeals Court on August 23, 2010. On June 28, 2011, Iran’s Supreme Court overturned the ruling, but made the decision conditional on Nadarkhani’s repentance. There were three court sessions between September 25 and September 28, 2011 in which Youcef Nadarkhani was asked to repent and he refused. Nadarkhani is currently in detention inside Rasht Prison.

On September 30, 2011, the charge of “extortion” was mentioned for the first time on an Iranian website in a news article about Nadarkhani. The article claimed that Youcef Nadarkhani is accused of rape and repeated extortion. “Youcef Nadarkhani has [committed] security crimes and had set up a house of corruption. This individual is a criminal and his crime is not inviting some to the religion of Christianity, but he has security crimes. Nadarkhani’s death sentence has been issued for security crimes,” it quoted Gholamali Rezvani, Deputy Governor of Gilan for Security.

Mohammad Ali Dadkhah, Nadarkhani’s lawyer, told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran at the time, “If he is under trial in another court on other charges, I am not aware. But we only defended him against the death sentence in the case of his charge of apostasy. The charge the court staff announced that I defended during several different court sessions was apostasy and no other charge.”

“The new leveled charges raise concern that following widespread international criticism about the ruling issued for Mr. Nadarkhani, Iranian authorities wish to influence the case process by bringing up arbitrary charges. The new trial adds to these concerns,” said the FCCN spokesperson.

In his interview with the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran today, the source referred to evidence in Youcef Nadarkhani’s case. “In his defense documents, there is a hand-written letter from the late Grand Ayatollah Montazeri, in which he explicitly wrote about Youcef Nadarkhani that he “must not be executed”. His lawyer, Mr. Mohammad Ali Dadkhah, presented this note as evidence in the case, as well as other legal reasoning why he should not be executed,” said the source.

“We are sure that Youcef Nadarkhani will be exonerated and released, because so far as we have seen, even the Chief Justice does not believe in his execution, and it is only the Judge who keeps insisting on it,” the source told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran.

Pastor Nadarkhani to face charges Iran

Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani has been in prison for more than 1,000 days.

Iran (MNN/ACLJ) ― The Iranian pastor who has spent more than 1,000 days in prison will be headed by to court. Iranian authorities are demanding Youcef Nadarkhani be back into court in Iran September 8, 2012 at 9:00 AM to answer for "charges brought against him."

According to the American Center for Law and Justice, it's unclear if the charges are new or are connected to his apostasy conviction. Nadarkhani was convicted and sentenced to death for apostasy: becoming a Christian. When Iranian officials demanded that he recant his faith in Jesus Christ or die, he responded, "I cannot." He has been illegally imprisoned and separated from his wife and two boys since 2009.

The ACLJ has obtained a copy of the official Iranian court summons demanding his appearance.

What is clear is that his new court date will come after more 1,060 days spent in prison for nothing but his faith in Jesus Christ--an imprisonment that violates Iran's own constitution.

The ACLJ is continuing to work with contacts in Iran, the State Department, and foreign diplomats to pressure Iran for the release of this persecuted pastor. The Tweet for Youcef campaign continues to grow, now reaching more than 2.8 million Twitter accounts around the world with daily information and updates about Pastor Youcef.

Continue to pray for Nadarkhani and other Christians who are being persecuted for their faith. The church is growing in Iran, which is why the government is taking action against Christians.

Two Iranian believers released

(Photo courtesy of VCM)

Iran (MNN) ― After several months in prison and solitary confinement, two Iranian Christians have been released from prison.

According to The Voice of the Martyrs, Canada, Noorollah Qabitizse, 48, was recently released after serving 19 months in prison.

Qabitizse was a house church leader arrested in 2010 on Christmas Eve. Authorities raided a celebration gathering in his house church and captured Qabitizse, along with 10 other believers.

Authorities interrogated and tried to force Qabitizse to denounce his faith, causing him to suffer from mental abuse.

While in the Dezful prison, Qabitizse started a Bible study. When authorities got wind of his activities in prison, they transferred him out to Ahwaz as punishment.

The second Christian recently released was 24-year-old Ehsan Behrouz. He was a university student studying management in the University of Mashhad.

After his arrest on October 2011, Behrouz suffered eight months in prison including 105 days in solitary confinement.

Although Behrouz has been released, he hasn’t been able to resume classes, and his education is at stake. Other Christian students in the past have been forcibly deprived of their education.

Please pray for Behrouz to be able to continue his education in peace. Pray that these testimonies of faith in Christ will encourage other believers in Iran to persevere for the Gospel.

Imprisoned pastor in critical condition

Pastor Behnam Irani (Photo courtesy of VCM)

Iran (MNN) ― Behnam Irani, a 41-year-old Iranian pastor serving prison time, is currently facing severe health concerns due to physical persecution.

While serving his time in Karaj’s Ghezel Hesar Prison, Behnam has suffered several beatings from prison authorities and his cell mates. Authorities have ordered these beatings to occur regularly.

In a recent update, Voice of the Martyrs, Canada (VCM) reports that Behnam lost consciousness in the last few days due to colon complications and severe bleeding from ulcers. He was admitted into a military hospital.

Benham has since regained consciousness, but his health is reportedly declining because of harsh mistreatment and prison conditions. He is unable to walk or see well, and VCM says there are growing concerns that he may not even survive these next few months.

Serving a five-year sentence, Behnam has a little less than four years left to serve in prison. For the first few months of his sentence, he was held in solitary confinement.

His conviction occurred on January 2011 for crimes against national security. At the time of Behnam’s arrest, he was conducting a Bible study for 10 young Iranian men who had recently come to Christ.

Behnam is a husband and father to two children. His family is concerned about his poor health, especially since his brother died from intestinal cancer.

Ghezal Hesar Prison, where Behnam is held, is one of Iran’s largest and most notorious prisons for violence and cramped conditions. The head of Prisons Organization says it houses 20,000 inmates: 300 times its holding capacity.

Please pray for the Lord to fully restore Behnam’s health. Pray for Christ’s perfect comfort to give his family peace. Pray that prisoners and guards in Ghezal Hesar Prison will come to know Christ through Behnam’s example and faith.

New charges may be coming in apostasy case

Lakan Prison, where Pastor Nadarkhani is being held.
 (Photo courtesy of Present Truth Ministries)

Iran (CSW/MNN) ― Sunday July 8 marked 1,000 days since Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani was imprisoned in Iran for apostasy.

According to a report from Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani may face fresh charges in September.

The report makes note of new charges that may concern crimes against national security and possibly blasphemy in order to make his death sentence appear more acceptable. September 8, 2012 appears to be the new date for trial, according to CSW sources.

Nadarkhani faces the death penalty. Without the intervention of Supreme Leader or the Head of the Iranian Judiciary, authorities will carry out the Supreme Court ruling, which upheld the conviction.

It means Nadarkhani could be executed if he refuses to recant. Voice of the Martyrs says he has been pressured consistently--offered freedom in exchange for renouncing his faith on at least four occasions--but refuses to do so.

In a public statement, CSW's Advocacy Director Andrew Johnston said, "CSW is deeply concerned at reports that Pastor Nadarkhani may face fresh charges in September. The Iranian government is increasingly bringing charges against Christians on political grounds to mask the fact that like Pastor Nadarkhani and Pastor Fathi Malayeri, they have been arrested and imprisoned solely on account of their faith.

"We are also concerned by the lack of due process in these cases and continue to call for the immediate and unconditional release of Pastor Nadarkhani, Pastor Fathi Malayeri, and others who are unjustly imprisoned or facing execution following flawed judicial processes. CSW urges the Iranian authorities to ensure respect for the right to freedom of religion, which is guaranteed in the international covenants to which Iran is a signatory, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)."

Please continue to pray for wisdom and strength for Pastor Nadarkhani and for those trying to help him. Ask God to change hearts, and pray for open doors.

CSW is a Christian organization working for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights in the pursuit of justice.