Iran: Christians Eskandar Rezaei, Soroush Saraei jailed for helping students get exemption from Islamic studies

Iranian Christians request renewed prayer for Eskandar Rezaei and Soroush Saraei who were each sentenced in December to eight years of prison for aiding students seeking exemption from Islamic studies classes.

Both men were charged with “acting against national security.” Soroush faced an additional charge of “forgery,” as the pastor of the Church of Shiraz, for issuing letters for students seeking exemption from Islamic studies classes.

Eskandar was arrested on July 6, 2017, at his home in Lar, where several hundred New Testaments were confiscated. He was held at Quran Branch of Adel-Aabad prison in Shiraz.

Soroush was also arrested in July. He was initially held at the intelligence offices before being transferred to Adel-Aabad prison.

Following the court hearing on December 28, Eskandar Rezaie and Soroush Saraie were each sentenced to 7 years in prison for “action against the National Security” and 1 year for proselytising and forming house meetings.

They are appealing the sentences.