Hamid Shafiee & Reyhaneh Aghajary Iran

On February 28, Hamid Shafiee and his wife Reyhaneh Aghajary, both converts from Islam and house church leaders, were arrested at their home in Isfahan, Iran. During the police operation around 20 officers including two female officers, produced what appeared to be an arrest warrant from the local authorities. Reyhaneh was at home with a group of other Christians when police entered the house. They quickly handcuffed her and upon finding boxes of Bibles, began beating her. The assault continued until eventually she was pepper-sprayed and removed from the scene. Her husband Hamid was arrested an hour later when he returned to the house. Authorities assaulted another Christian visiting the house at the time of the raid when he protested against the police action. Other Christians at the house were threatened, but no one else was arrested. The officers seized Bibles, CDs, photographs, computers, telephones, personal items and other literature. While the couple are imprisoned, family members are caring for their two teenage boys. During the past 10 years, both Reyhaneh and Hamid have worked tirelessly publishing and Hamid Shafiee and Reyhaneh Aghajary photo FCNN distributing the literature about Jesus Christ. Sources in Isfahan have indicated that Reyhaneh is being held in a special wing of Dastgard prison where political prisoners are kept. In response to the rough and inappropriate behaviour of the prison officials and their negligence in providing for her needs she has begun a hunger strike. There are also reports of another Christian woman being held along with Reyhaneh at the same prison. No one knows exactly who this woman is, or how long she has been in custody; indicative of the widely held belief that there are in fact many other Christians in Iran who have been imprisoned for their faith but whose identity and arrests have not been reported. On March 1, the couple’s family members contacted

the authorities and were told that Hamid and Reyhaneh’s cases would be referred to the Revolutionary Court once charges were finalised. They were also told not to make further enquiries.

.

Updates
Iran – After 54 days in detention Reverend Wilson Issavi has been released temporarily after posting bail. He is said to be in good spirits and is now awaiting the outcome of a review of his case. We praise God for this wonderful answer to the prayers of Christians around the world.

Vietnam – Christian lawyer Le Thi Cong Nhan was released on March 6 after serving a three-year sentence. The term had been reduced by one year after an international outcry, although she now faces three years of house arrest. Remaining in prison for another year is her colleague, Christian lawyer Nguyen Van Dai.

China – Please continue to pray for Alimjan Yimit and his family. The Chinese authorities have said recently that his 15-year sentence will stand. Pray that the sentence will be overturned on appeal and that Christians across China and across the world will unite in prayer and advocacy on behalf of this brother