 
| Elam: Maryam And Marzieh Told They Will Be Released |
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  (Faith Telegraph, November 16, 2009) Iranian Christians Maryam Rostampour and Marzieh Amirizadeh were told they would be released from prison on Monday 16, 2009, but a "delay in legal procedures" has prevented their release, according to Voice of the Martyrs partner Elam Ministries.  "We are rejoicing at the prospect of their release but would ask you to pray for their full and unconditional release, and for their safety and quick recovery," Elam writes. Elam reports that their release is "imminent."  Marzieh, 30, and Maryam, 27, were charged with conducting activities against the state, propagating the Christian faith, and apostasy -- leaving Islam. They were told by a court to renounce their Christian faith but refused.  In October, the Iranian Revolutionary Court dropped the charge of carrying out activities against the state and the case was transferred to a general court for the other charges to be considered.  They have been held in prison for more than 250 days, since March, 2009, and have been denied adequate access to medical care.  Marzieh has suffered from pain in her spine, a tooth infection, and intense headaches. Maryam was given treatment for severe food poisoning.  Maryam and Marzieh have reportedly been targeted as "anti-government" activists because of their Christian faith.  If convicted of apostasy, the women could be sentenced to death.   Voice of the Martyrs is a non-profit, interdenominational organization dedicated to assisting the persecuted church worldwide. For more information about Voice of the Martyrs, visit http://www.persecution.net.  The Christian ministry Elam was founded in 1988 by senior Iranian Christian church leaders with the vision of serving the growing church in Iran. For more information, visit http://www.elam.com.  Read More: Links   Elam: Told They'll Be Released Voice of the Martyrs: Maryam and Marzieh Told That They Will Be Released    ______________________________________________________________________________ The International Faith Telegraph |
