December 22, 2015
Christian pastor Farshid Fathi has today been released from jail in Iran after being sentenced for crimes against national security. The court had ruled that the pastor’s Christian activities were crimes against the Iranian state. He spent five years behind bars as a political prisoner.
Pastor Farshid Fathi was converted from Islam as a teenager. He went on to lead a network of house churches in Iran.
Christians who meet to worship or share their faith can find themselves accused of ‘undermining national security’. Up to 100 Christians remain in detention. There is particular hostility towards Muslim converts. Yet the underground house church in Iran continues to grow.
Farshid Fathi was arrested in December 2010 during a crackdown against the church. Authorities detained 22 Christians in Tehran and several other cities. Ten were released after signing agreements to refrain from Christian activities. Eleven others were later released.
But Pastor Farshid was kept in solitary confinement for almost a year, even though his family had paid a high figure for his bail. He was sentenced on March 5, 2012.
Farshid’s friends describe him as loving, cheerful, selfless and faithful – always eager to help and serve others. Born into a Muslim family in Iran, he became a Christian at the age of 17, following his brother’s conversion. In his 20s he began ministering full-time, and by 2010 he was leading a network of house churches.
At his trial, Farshid’s Christian activities were portrayed as political offences. He was charged with actions against national security through membership of a Christian organisation, collection of funds, being in contact with foreign organisations, and propaganda against the Islamic regime by helping to spread Christianity.
Farshid was also charged with having Bibles printed in Farsi, unlawfully distributing Bibles, and possessing Christian literature.
The authorities seized Farshid’s laptop, which gave them access to church financial information, such as spending on mission activities and travel abroad to conferences. This was taken as evidence of acting against national security.
Farshid, who is in his 30s, is married to Leila. They have two young children, daughter Rosanna and son Bardia. In April 2013, his family emigrated to Canada. Release Int.
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