Larger Crackdown 

Eight Iranian Christian converts from Izeh have been sentenced to a total of nearly 45 years in prison. Article 18 reports this is part of a larger crackdown where at least 46 Christians were arrested over Christmas.

Yasin Mousavi received the harshest sentence of 15 years for charges including membership in a group deemed a threat to national security and promoting 'Zionist' Christianity. His arrest followed a history of activism, including involvement in protests. Yasin spent time in solitary confinement and was released on bail before sentencing. Other sentences include Hamid Afzali (10 years), Nasrullah Mousavi, Bijan Qolizadeh, and Iman Salehi (5 years each), and others with shorter terms.

They were charged under Article 500 of Iran's penal code, controversially amended in 2021 to target Christians.
 
Please pray for:

• Resilience and hope for the Iranian Christian converts facing imprisonment and persecution, that they may experience God’s peace and presence amidst their challenges.

• Wisdom and courage for leaders and advocates involved in international efforts to promote religious freedom in Iran, that they may effectively advocate for justice and protection for persecuted Christians.