June 2022 Action

Yousef Nadarkhani and three of his church members, Saheb (Zaman) Fadaee, Mohammad Ali (Yasser) Mosayebzadeh and Mohammad Reza Omidi, are serving 10-year prison sentences on charges of “acting against national security” and “promoting Zionist Christianity.” The men are all members of the Church of Iran. The four men were sentenced in July 2017 and began their sentences a year later in July 2018, after violent arrests at their homes. Write today to the president of Iran expressing your concern for the welfare of these men and respectfully calling for their immediate and unconditional release.

Write to:

Dr. Hassan Rouhani
President of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Palestine Avenue
Pasteur St., Pasteur Sq.
Tehran
Islamic Republic of Iran

Suggested talking points:

  • Stating the names of the four prisoners, express that you are aware of their imprisonment and are concerned for their welfare.
  • Express your belief that they are not threats to national security, but rather are being imprisoned for their Christian faith.
  • Respectfully urge the president to use the power and privilege of his position to work for the release of these men, and to encourage greater freedom of religion and expression in Iran.

What should I write to government officials?

  • 1. Write a short, clear message.
  • 2. Be polite. Remember you are representing Jesus Christ.
  • 3. State your general concern for persecuted believers.
  • 4. Do NOT write about politics or the government.

Here are some examples form Voice of the Martyrs of the kinds of things some people have written.

Dear Sir: We are thankful that your law in Vietnam allows freedom of religion. However, we heard that a man named (blank) was put in the prison at (blank). We are concerned about this and about his welfare. We would like to ask you to please give your attention to this matter. Thank you very much.

To Whom It May Concern: Last month, (blank), a Christian, was arrested and charged with (the charge). He was given a (length of sentence) prison sentence. We ask that you release him. Thank you.

Dear Sir: Last year, (blank), was arrested for (blank). The story of this case has been circulated around the world and thousands of Christians know about it. We ask that he be released from all charges. We are praying for you as a leading spokesman for your country.