Iranian pastor Fathi freed from prison

By Diana Chandler - Posted at Baptist Press:

TEHRAN, Iran (BP) -- Iranian pastor Farshid Fathi has been freed after five years imprisonment in Tehran because of charges linked to his Christian faith, Middle East Concern announced Dec. 22, estimating nearly 100 Christians remain imprisoned there.
"We are so thankful to the Lord for his protection over Farshid while in prison," Middle East Concern said in a press release. "It is our hope that the Gospel will continue to spread throughout Iran."
Fathi was released Dec. 21 from Rajai Shahr prison, five months after prison authorities informed him he would be due for early release this month, although no reason for the early release has been reported. Previously, he was scheduled for release in December, 2017, after authorities arrested him Dec. 26, 2010 for "acting against national security through membership of a Christian organization, collection of funds, and propaganda against the Islamic Regime by helping spread Christianity in the country." Sixty other Christians were arrested on the same day in Tehran while worshipping in a house church. See related story.

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