UPDATE: Iranian Christian Women Released from Prison

Maryam Rustampoor and Marzieh Amirizadeh (last name posted as Esmaeilabad in some reports) were released from Iran's Evin prison on Wednesday, November 18. The women had been imprisoned since March for various charges associated with their Christian beliefs. They were on trial over the summer, and could have been freed if they renounced their faith. They would not, and were placed back in their cells. See this writer's original Associated Content report.

In an October hearing, a judge dropped the charge that Rustampoor and Amirizadeh were engaged in "anti-state" activities. But they still face hearings for allegedly trying to spread Christianity, which could carry a charge of apostasy against Iran's formally recognized religion of Islam.

Evin prison has been noted for human rights violations. According to Charisma Online, Maryam and Marzieh's health suffered with ailments from infected teeth, headaches and back pain to severe food poisoning. Solitary confinement and repeat interrogations also took their toll.

Although Iran is on this U.S. State Department's list as a "country of particular concern" for violating religious freedoms and other human rights, not much action is currently being taken for fear of doing anything that might appear to offend or cause repercussions toward good and decent Muslims around the world.

A group called Open Doors pursued the release of Rustampoor and Amirizadeh. No bail was demanded for their release. Open Doors is a non-profit international organization dedicated to rescuing and praying for persecuted Christians around the world. Renewed anti-Semitism toward the Jewish people is also on the rise in formerly tolerant nations. Many other countries do not afford the religious freedoms we have in America...for now.

A variation of this UPDATE article was also published at The Underground Online Magazine.

Sources(This writer is neither associated with, nor receiving any remuneration or recognition from organizations listed):
Elam Ministries;
Charisma Magazine Online;
U.S. Sate Department List, Countries of Concern;
Open Doors;
Original Associated Content Article.