Evangelicals Now
<< October 2009 >>

Protest for prisoners

On Saturday September 12, at 12.30 pm, about 20 people, mostly Iranian, congregated outside the Iranian Embassy. The aim of the vigil was to protest for the freedom of Maryam and Marzieh, who are prisoners in Iran only because they love Jesus.

We gathered in the slow lane of Kensington Road, which had been cordoned off. The traffic didn’t feel particularly slow for us sitting on the tarmac just a yard from the wheels of a bus! Men stood against the wall of Hyde Park in support of the praying women sitting or standing in the designated traffic lane. Most women were wearing white with simple headscarves, as requested. I wondered what went through the duty policemen’s minds as they spent nine hours witnessing a protest of absolute passion and determination ... and yet with no sense of anger or outrage, but rather deep peace and joy.

Prayers for Iran

Handouts were given upon arrival, stapled back to front, which was a quick reminder that this was not a British protest. Suggested prayers were for the Iranian prison officers, for God’s mercy to fill Iran and for thirsty hearts in Iran to be met by Jesus. Praying was heartfelt as women offered up their ‘five loaves and two fish’ prayers asking that God would multiply them. Women had travelled from all over the UK, as well as from Iran and the USA to spend time at this protest.

Singing and petition

We estimate that during the course of the day over 100 people attended. At its peak there were about 50 women gathered, as well as men and children. While some prayed in silence, others prayed aloud, both in English and in Farsi. We sang together in both languages. Over 70 people signed a petition asking the Iranian authorities to uphold Article 23 of their Constitution, which states: ‘Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion’. Yet it was obvious that the real struggle was not against the authorities at the Iranian Embassy, but against the rulers, authorities and powers of this dark world.

Later a pack was distributed with photographs, signs to hold or pin to shirts and more information about the plight of our sisters in Evin prison. As I learned about their solitary confinement in a 2m square cell, the road on which we were sitting didn’t seem quite so hard, nor the heat so relentless.

At dusk 187 candles were lit, each symbolising one day that Maryam and Marzieh have spent in prison. Cars slowed down and tooted their support. Sympathetic passers-by asked questions. Considering there had been only ten days of closed publicity, there had been good support. At 8.30 pm, as I decided to head home, I heard a discussion about whether to keep the banners for ‘next time’ or to step forward in faith that there won’t be a next time. As I drove back I was very aware that Maryam and Marzieh didn’t have the choice of a comfy bed or the prospect of gathering with others at church the following day.

Background

On March 5 2009, two Iranian women, Maryam Rostampour (27) and Marzieh Amirizadeh Esmaeilabad (30) were arrested for professing to be Christians and they have been held in Evin Prison in Tehran for more than six months, often in solitary confinement. The health of both women is of great concern to their families and supporters worldwide. They have both lost a considerable amount of weight due to very poor nutrition and they suffer from severe bodily pain. Marzieh has a tooth infection which is not being properly treated.

On August 9, they were brought before an Islamic court for examination by a Deputy Prosecutor. They were told that they had to renounce their faith in Christ or suffer the consequences of the law. When they refused, they were sent back to prison to ‘consider’ their options. The stark choice is either deny their faith and be set free or remain in prison and suffer physical punishment [lashes] for their ‘crimes’.

Amnesty International has taken up their case (PUBLIC AI Index: MDE 13/030/2009).

Other Christians recently held under similar circumstances in Evin Prison — Maryam Razandi, Ashraf Omidi, Mehdi Mohammadi, Mabina Lak, Nariman Sharifi, Shahin, and Shahnam Yar-Mohammad Tosaki — were released on bail in early September.

While Iran claims to have religious freedom, it also supports shari’a law which outlaws apostasy from Islam. The vigil on September 12 was to raise awareness of the situation facing these women in Evin Prison.

Telda Peskett / Christian News Wire