Two Christians Released from Evin Prison

When news broke out that Evin Prison in Tehran had experienced a fire on October 15th, families of the prisoners were rightly concerned about the safety of those who were inside during the incident. Sounds of gunfire had been heard in the prison, along with explosions. While the reason for the fire remains unclear, it has been reported that all Christian prisoners of conscience were unharmed. For two particular Christian inmates, the days that followed brought an unexpected blessing when they were pardoned and released from prison.

In 2017, Naser Navard Gol-Tapeh was sentenced to ten years in prison because he had been hosting house church meetings in his home. Earlier this year, concerns were raised about the Christian man's health (read more). It is with great joy we report that he was released on October 17th as part of a mass pardoning by Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. Naser was able to surprise his family members with a phone call, asking them to come and get him.

The next day, Christian convert Fariba Dalir was also released, having been sentenced in November 2021 to five years in prison, which was later reduced to two years. (Further details on her case are available here.) Fariba's husband Soroush, along with their daughter Arezoo, are said to be "overjoyed" at the reunion.

Reacting to the news of these recent pardons, Article18's director, Mansour Borji, stated, "While we celebrate the recent release of [the two believers], we remain deeply concerned for the health and security of all those who remain in Evin Prison, including at least ten Christian prisoners of conscience."

Praise God for the release of these two Christian prisoners! Pray for patience and strength as they now re-enter life outside the prison institution, joyfully reunited with their families. Continue to prayerfully remember the many believers in Iran still awaiting release from imprisonment, whether at Evin Prison or elsewhere, asking that each one would be filled with a renewed sense of comfort, hope and strength so they can continue standing firm in their faith.