A 61-year-old Iranian Christian convert from Islam has been released after serving nearly two years in prison.
Mina Khajavi, who has arthritis and walks with a limp, was serving a two-year sentence for “acting against national security by promoting ‘Zionist’ Christianity” in her role in a house church.
The original six-year sentence was reduced to two years earlier this year.
Mina was unable to begin her prison sentence for several months because of injuries sustained in a car accident in 2022 [Image credit: Article 18]
Mina began her sentence in January 2024. She was arrested in 2020 and sentenced in 2022. However, her summons to start her sentence at Evin Prison, Tehran was delayed after she was run over by a car in the summer of 2022.
Mina’s ankle was badly broken in the accident, and she had to have metal plates fitted.
While in prison Mina experienced considerable pain and received less than adequate care, with only occasional painkillers provided.
Mina was sentenced alongside Iranian-Armenian pastor Joseph Shahbazian, who received a ten-year sentence and another Christian convert Malihe Nazari, who like Mina was sentenced to six years. Both Joseph and Malihe had their sentences reduced after retrials in 2023 and were released from prison. However, Joseph was rearrested in February 2025 and returned to Evin Prison.
Farsi (Persian)-speaking Christians, being converts from Islam, are punishable as apostates according to Islamic law. Unlike the historic Armenian- and Assyrian-speaking Christian communities they are not permitted to hold church services or worship freely.
How you can pray
Give thanks that Mina has been released. Pray that she will receive the continued medical care she needs. Pray that she will know God’s guidance as she adjusts to the precarious nature of life outside prison for Christians in Iran. Intercede for all Christians who are enduring imprisonment in Iran for their faith in Jesus, and pray that they will abound in hope whatever trials they face.
