GOD IS ON OUR SIDE: Imprisoned Iranian pastor released from prison after 5 years

'We are overjoyed and celebrating!'

Iranian Christian pastor, Farshid Fathi, has been released five years into his seven year sentence.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - According to the American Center for Law and Justice, Fathi was originally arrested for taking "actions against the regime's security, being in contact with foreign organizations, and religious propaganda."

He was arrested December 26, 2010 along with over 60 other Christians in Tehran, Iran. Without the right to a trial, Fathi was imprisoned in Evin, a jail known to kill its prisoners.

 In an attempt to cover his Christian activities, Iran simply stated he was guilty of "actions against national security," though his imprisonment is the result of spreading Christianity in the region.

While imprisoned, Fathi suffered a broken foot at the hands of prison guards raiding his cell. He was later falsely accused of possessing two liters of alcohol in his cell and his sentence was extended. March this year saw Fathi accused of insulting a prison imam - a person who leads prayers in a mosque - as well as claims of him defying orders to have all Christian books
inspected.

Fathi attempted several appeals, but it was not until recently that he won, under a recently-passed article which states anyone found guilty of multiple offences will result in a sentence only for the most serious. This article decreased his sentence by two years.

Andy Dipper, Christian Solidarity Worldwide's Chief Operating Officer, told ChristianToday, "We remain deeply concerned at the treatment of Christians in Iran, who suffer harassment, mistreatment and imprisonment simply for exercising their right to freedom of religion or belief by gathering to worship peacefully, particularly during the Christmas season.

Elam, a Christian foundation with goals to "strengthen the Church in Iran and beyond," announced Fathi's release on it's website, stating, "We are overjoyed and celebrating!"

The message continues: "Farshid Fathi has been released today (21 December 2015) after five years in prison for his faith. We are deeply grateful for your faithful prayers for Farshid while he has been in prison. 

"We would like to request that you continue praying for Farshid today and in the coming weeks. Please pray especially for protection, his family and his adjustment to life outside prison. We will share more information when possible."

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