Iranian Christian women released - but keep praying - Andy Dipper

USA: November 19, 2009, (PCTV Newsdesk)

Release International welcomes the release of two Iranian Christian women who have been detained for 259 days because of their Christian faith. ‘But the message is - keep on praying for Maryam and Marzieh, who still face charges of converting from Islam,’ says Release CEO Andy Dipper.

Maryam Rustampoor and Marzieh Amirizadeh Esmaeilabad have been released (Nov 18) from Tehran's notorious Evin prison, where they have been detained since March, charged with apostasy (leaving Islam) and sharing their Christian faith.

At one stage the women, who were released without bail, also faced charges of 'anti-state activity'.

Maryam and Marzieh had earlier refused to covert back to Islam. They were held in Evin prison, which has a fearsome reputation, where their health has deteriorated.

‘Words are not enough to express our gratitude to the Lord and to his people who have prayed and worked for our release,’ they told Elam Ministries.

‘But it’s not over yet,’ warns Andy Dipper of Release International, which supports persecuted Christians worldwide. ‘Maryam and Marzieh are under surveillance and still face trial. Pray that the charges would be dropped.’

The Iranian Parliament recently voted overwhelmingly in favour a mandatory death sentence for any man who leaves the Islamic faith. The Islamic Penal Code Bill would have imposed a life sentence on women leaving Islam – such as Maryam and Marzieh.

A Parliamentary Committee later recommended dropping the death penalty clause, but there is still a possibility that the harsh penalties for apostasy may be reinstated by the Iranian Parliament and Guardian Council.

‘Iran must grant freedom of faith for all its citizens,’ says Andy Dipper. So pray and keep praying.’

Through its international network of missions, Release International serves persecuted Christians in 30 countries around the world by supporting pastors and Christian prisoners, and their families; supplying Christian literature and Bibles; and working for justice.