We are absolutely delighted that Pastor Nadarkhani was released on 26 February, along with others, as part of a general amnesty. Thousands of you have been praying and campaigning for him for over a decade.
Read more of his story on page 2 of Response.
His release occurred against a background of protests across Iran, which erupted following the death of 22-year-old Zhina ‘Mahsa’ Amini, and which are being brutally suppressed. We are praying that this season of turmoil will result in an improvement in the country’s human rights climate, including an end to the repression of the right to freedom of religion or belief, and greater freedoms for Iranian women and girls.
Sunday 25 June
Praise God that our prayers for Pastor Nadarkhani's release have been answered. Pray for him and his family as they recover from their collective ordeal. Pray also for the pastor’s safety; that he would be free from further harassment and intimidation.
Monday 26 June
Today is the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. A significant number of Iranians of all religions or beliefs have suffered unimaginably while in detention, with several female – and male – detainees reporting psychological and physical torture, and sexual violence. Pray for healing and justice for victims, and accountability for the perpetrators.
Tuesday 27 June
Close to 20,000 people have been detained since the recent protests began, and many more are serving prison sentences because of their religion or belief, peaceful opposition or human rights work. Pray Isaiah 42:7 over all who are still unjustly imprisoned.
Wednesday 28 June
Pray for an end to unjust trials and detentions, especially for those targeted for standing up for human rights. Pray that the Iranian judicial system – which falls dramatically short of international fair trial standards – would be transformed into a system that respects the rule of law, and dispenses justice.
Thursday 29 June
National security-related charges are regularly levelled against religious minorities, especially converts from Islam. Pray for an end to this, and for the Iranian authorities to respect the right to freedom of religion or belief, as a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Friday 30 June
Pastor Matthias Haghnejad was re-arrested just after Christmas in 2022 on the same unfounded charges as in 2014, but was later granted a furlough. His wife, Anahita Khademi, was also arrested, but charged and released on bail three weeks later. Ask God to protect and deliver those imprisoned or facing trial on unjust charges.
Saturday 1 July
Heavenly Father, we pray that what you commanded in Zechariah 7:9 would be seen Iran: that the courts would begin to ‘administer true justice’ and the authorities would ‘show mercy and compassion’ towards every citizen, regardless of their creed or gender. Amen.