An Iranian-Armenian pastor, 62, was finally released from prison this week after serving a year out of a decade-long sentence after his appeal was successful. This is a blessing from the Lord as now this man can be reunited to his loved ones and continue to do the will of God, worshiping Him and preaching the gospel. Prayer works, folks. Never neglect it, especially in time of need.
A report published by The Christian Post revealed that Anooshavan Avedian’s appeal was successfully accepted at Branch 21 of the Tehran Appeal Court, which then led to his being let out of prison. Avedian was put behind bars on the same day as another Iranian-Armenian pastor, Joseph Shahbazian was released from a similar sentence.
The pastor’s release coincided with notable political events, including visits to New York by Iran’s former president, Ebrahim Raisi, and his successor, Masoud Pezeshkian. However, Mansour Borji, director of Article18, cautioned against linking these events to Avedian’s release.
“For Anooshavan to have spent even one day in prison was unjust, especially now that he has been found to have committed no crime,” Borji strongly stated. “We hope that he will be fully compensated for all that he has endured.”
Avedian was arrested in August 2020 when about 30 intelligence agents raided a private gathering at his home in the Narmak area of northeastern Tehran. During his trial at Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran, Avedian was sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges of “establishing and leading an illegal group with the aim of disrupting the security of the country through educational and propaganda activities contrary to and disturbing to the holy religion of Islam, through the dissemination of false claims … as well as contact with foreign countries, or organizational guidance from abroad.”
The judge who oversaw the case, Judge Afshari, not only convicted Avedian, but also targeted two individuals who were members of his house church, Abbas Soori and Maryam Mohammadi. While both of these individuals received punishments non-custodial in nature, which included fines and bans from participating in both social and political membership groups, Avedian was given a 10-year stint behind bars. Over in Iran they call it, “deprivation of social rights.”
While they were serving time in prison, both Avedian and his co-defendants were put through horrific psychological torture and were treated disrespectfully while being interrogated. The defense their legal team presented was constantly dragged by spiteful insults about both their faith and personal character. Persecution for the faith is one of the highest honors Christ bestows on His people. Suffering for the name of Jesus is a blessing. I hope that these individuals were encouraged by that truth during their ordeal.
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The United Nations Human Rights Committee has repeatedly urged Iran to release those imprisoned for exercising their right to freedom of religion or belief and to provide adequate compensation. At least 21 other Christians are currently serving sentences in Iran related to their faith, including at least 10 in Evin Prison, Article18 reported. One of those still imprisoned is Hakop Gochumyan, an Armenian citizen serving a 10-year sentence for allegedly engaging in “deviant proselytizing.” Gochumyan accompanied Avedian to the gate of Evin Prison upon his release.
Why is Iran so hostile toward the religion of Christianity and its spread in their country? Islamists believe that if it grows, it could pose a threat to the current Muslim regime that is oppressing the people of the country. A list created by Open Doors USA says that Iran is the ninth worst nation in the world for Christian persecution.
“The government sees the growth of the church in Iran as an attempt by Western countries to undermine Islam and the Islamic regime of Iran,” the watchdog organization stated in closing. “House groups made up of converts from Muslim backgrounds are often raided, and both their leaders and members have been arrested, prosecuted, and given long prison sentences for ‘crimes against national security.’”