April 2013 Action Item
Alireza Seyyedian, a 37-year-old Iranian man, found freedom in Christ in 2006, but now he is imprisoned by the Iranian government for that very faith. In 2011, security forces raided his apartment, confiscating his computer and other possessions. On his computer they found video footage of his baptism in Turkey, which was also used against him. The judge in the case claimed Alireza's baptism in another country was an attempt by Alireza to demonstrate the lack of freedom in Iran and reflected badly on his own country. A former Muslim himself, Alireza has been accused of holding meetings with other former Muslims, distributing Bibles, and falsely, of being a member of the Jesus Only cult.
He was caught and arrested as he attempted to flee to Turkey, and is not being held in the Section 350 of Evin prison—an area designated for political prisoners and notorious for being especially harsh.
A few words can go a long way in bringing a bit of hope and light to these dark places. If you would like to send an extra special message, you can go to www.prisoneralert.com, and use the “write a letter” function to send some phrases of encouragement and scripture verses in their own language. As always, for the safety of the prisoners, do not mention specific religious organizations or speak critically of the government.
Encourage!
In this urgent and very delicate matter, we are seeking the intervention of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Join us as we join others calling for the safeguard and freedom of Raif Badawi.
Write to Alireza at:
Alireza Seyyedian
Evin Prison
Saadat Abad
Tehran
Islamic Republic of Iran