Iran: detained Pastor

Iranian Christians have requested our prayers following developments in the case of a pastor imprisoned for his faith in Jesus.

It has been reported by fellow prisoners that Pastor Behnam Irani has suffered beatings at the hands of intelligence officials.

Behnam Irani was sentenced to six years in prison in 2011 on charges of offences against national security. He has been badly treated during his imprisonment and his health suffered to the extent that he needed an operation in February to stop internal bleeding.

On the 7th June, Behnam was summoned to appear before the head of a revolutionary tribunal in Karaj. The summons was irregular and Behnam wrote a letter protesting the order. In response, intelligence agents arrived at the prison, beat him and brought Behnam before the prison governor. They then took him by force to the head of the revolutionary tribunal and he has been transferred to an unknown location.

Iranian Christians request our prayers that:
a. Behnam and his family will know the Lord’s presence and support
b. Behnam’s whereabouts will become known
c. He will experience God’s physical healing, including of injuries sustained during the beating
d. Prisoners in Iran will be treated with respect and dignity, as beings created in the image of God
e. All officials involved will love mercy, act justly, learn about Jesus and choose to follow Him.

Source: Middle East Concern