IRAN: Iranian-Armenian Pastor Acquitted and Released from Prison

01 October 2024

Source: Middle East Concern, Article 18

On 24 September, Branch 21 of the Appeal Court of Tehran acquitted pastor Anooshavan Avedian, 62 of the charge of “propaganda contrary to and disturbing to the holy religion of Islam”, and ordered his release from prison.

He was serving a 10-year prison sentence imposed by Judge Iman Afshari, head of the 26th Branch of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran. He began serving the sentence in Evin Prison on 18 September 2023.

Pastor Anooshavan was arrested along with two Christian converts when intelligence agents raided a private Christian gathering in Narmak, North Tehran in August 2020.

In speaking to friends after his release, Anooshavan was excited and glad, saying that he and his family are doing fine.

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Pray for them

Thank the Lord for Anooshavan’s acquittal and release and pray for rest and adjustment for him and his family.

Pray for the other Christians still held in Evin; as many as ten believers. Pray for strength of faith and protection, and that God would use them as the light of Christ to their fellow prisoners and guards.

Praise God for the growth of the church in Iran. Ask God to shield house church leaders and all those in their care.