Friday, October 03, 2008

Iran releases two Christians held on apostasy charges

http://www.christiantoday.com/article/iran.releases.two.christians.held.on.apostasy.charges/21571.htm

[Christianity Today UK] 3 Oct 2008--Iranian officials have released two Christian converts who were being held in prison on apostasy charges, one week after the Iranian Government voted overwhelmingly in favour of new legislation to introduce the death penalty for anyone who leaves the Muslim faith.

Mahmoud Mohammed Matin-Azad, 53, and Arash Ahmad-Ali Basirat, 40, were arrested in May and charged with apostasy following their conversion to Christianity from Islam.

Andy Dipper, head of Christian persecution watchdog Release International, gave a cautious welcome to news of their release.

“We’re delighted Iran has dropped its charges against these men but existence is about to become even tougher for other Iranians seeking freedom of faith.”

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