Washington, D.C. (August 10, 2009) - International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that Iranian authorities told Maryam Rustampoor and Marzieh Amirizadeh, converts from Islam to Christianity, to recant their Christian faith during a hearing before a revolutionary court in Tehran on August 9.
Maryam, 27, and Marzieh, 30, were first arrested on March 5, 2009, for leaving Islam. Iranian authorities kept them in solitary confinement at the infamous Evin prison, deprived them of medical attention, and blindfolded and interrogated them for long periods of time.
At the time of hearing before the court, the deputy public prosecutor, Haddad, asked Maryam and Marzieh about their faith and told them to recant their belief in Christ. When he asked them if they were Christians, they replied, "We love Jesus." He then repeated his question, and they said, "Yes, we are Christians."
When he said, "You were Muslims and now you have become Christians," their reply was, "We were born in Muslim families, but we were not Muslims."
During the questioning, when they made reference to their belief that God had convicted them through the Holy Spirit, the deputy public prosecutor said, "It is impossible for God to speak with humans." In return, Marzieh asked, "Are you questioning whether God is Almighty?" The prosecutor replied, "You are not worthy for God to speak to you." Then Marzieh said, "It is God, and not you, who determines if I am worthy."
At the end of the hearing, the deputy prosecutor told them to take time to think about the option of returning back to Islam, but Maryam and Marzieh replied, "We have already done our thinking."
After the questioning, they were taken back to the prison.
Five months of abuse and mistreatment by Iranian authorities has taken a toll on their health. They have lost weight and are denied access to medical care. Marzieh is suffering due to pain in her spin, a tooth infection, and intense headaches.
Jonathan Racho, ICC's Regional Manager for Africa and the Middle East, said, "We ask Iranian officials to free Maryam and Marzieh. Iran must respect their right to follow the religion of their choice. In this century, it's unconscionable for any country to force its citizens to adhere to any particular religion."
Please pray for Maryam and Marzieh's health. Also pray that God will continue to give them strength and courage.
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ICC is a Washington-DC based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church. For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441.
