Christian Pastor Farshid Fathi Finally Released From Iranian Prison: Ayatollah's Son Said He Was "Beloved" Among Inmates

Julie Brown Patton : Dec 23, 2015
Gospel Herald

Often I have been insulted, humiliated and accused, but I have never doubted my identity in Christ. Some have deserted me, some have fled from me. Of course, in no way do I pass judgment on them. My Lord has never left me." –Farshid Fathi

(Iran)—This Christmas brings joy rather than terror to Christian pastor Farshid Fathi, who was released from an Iranian prison after spending nearly five years in jail for his Christian faith. Fathi originally was arrested on Dec. 26, 2010, with 60-plus other Christians from house churches in Tehran by agents of Iran's Intelligence Ministry. He had many supporters over the past five years, such as this family who posted good wishes in his honor. (Photo via Gospel Herald)

World Watch Monitor announced Tuesday that the Iranian pastor was freed on Monday, despite the fact his sentence recently was extended.

Fathi became a Christian at age 17, as a Christian convert activist from Islam.

Of the 22 Christian Believers arrested by security forces in Tehran, 10 were released after intense questioning and after they signed agreements to refrain from Christian activities, reports Prisoner Alert. Eleven others also were later released. By the end of April 2011, only Farshid remained in prison, though his family had paid an enormous bail sum.

Farshid Fathi became a Christian at age 17, as a Christian convert activist from Islam. He just was released from an Iranian prison, after serving five years, due to charges related to his faith.

Fathi's wife and two children, Rossana and Bardia, were forced to leave Iran due to pressures from…

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