Iran Releases Christian Coverts But More Court Hearings Remain

November 18, 2009 12:09 p.m. EST

Washington DC (AHN) -  Maryam Rostampour and Marzieh Amirizadeh Esmaeilabad, two Christian converts from Islam, were released from Evin Prison in Tehran on Wednesday at 3:30 pm local time according to a statement from the International Christian Concern (ICC).   Elam Ministries told ICC that Maryam, 27, and Marzieh, 30, were released without bail, but that they have yet to face another court hearing.

Aidan Clay, ICC Regional Manager of the Middle East, said, "We celebrate with Maryam and Marzieh, and with all Christians upon hearing the news of their release."

"Yet, we continue to hold Iran accountable for having unjustly imprisoned and degraded two women who committed no crime. 

Clay condemned Iran's tactics of intimidation and harassment used to terrorize Christians throughout the country and called upon Tehran "to uphold religious freedom by allowing all Iranians to practice the religion of their choice, and to be allowed to worship freely without being threatened or discriminated against."   Originally arrested on March 5 by Iranian security forces, Maryam and Marzieh were charged with anti-government activities. Washington DC based ICC noted in its statement, "However, it became clear that apostasy (conversion from Islam to Christianity), not anti-state activities, was the reason for the arrest."    Maryam and Marzieh faced a Revolutionary Court on Aug. 9, and according to ICC, they were commanded to recant their faith, and in return, would be granted their freedom. "We will not deny our faith ... if we come out of prison, we want to do so with honor," the ICC quoted them as saying.

While detained at Evin Prison, which is notorious for its brutal conduct toward women, Maryam and Marzieh have been kept in solitary confinement and have endured extended interrogations, all the while suffering from poor health,   Iran issued no statement explaining the verdict for Maryam and Marzieh's release. However, the decision follows international pressure and prayers from Christians throughout the world.    "Words are not enough to express our gratitude to the Lord and to His people who have prayed and worked for our release," said Maryam and Marzieh.   Although released, eight months of abuse and mistreatment by Iranian security forces have undoubtedly taken a toll on Maryam and Marzieh's health. The ICC disclosed Marzieh has suffered intense headaches, toothaches, and spinal pain, while both women have been denied medical treatment.