Prisoner s list 2017 Indonesia Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1.9
Algeria Prisoners China Prisoners BOUHAFS SLIMANE (1968) He was arrested on July 31, 2016 in Setif, accused of blasphemy against Islam. On August 7, 2016 he was sentenced to 5 years in prison, in September the sentence was reduced to 3 years in prison. Hereceived a partial presidential pardon on July 5, 2017 and his sentence was reduced to 16 month. ALIMJAN YIMIT (1973) Police arrested Alimjan Yimit on January 12, 2008. On August 6, 2009, he was charged with 15 years of prison for «providing state secrets to overseas organizations». He granted interviews to media outside China. Alimjan was a house church leader in the Uyghur church. GONG SHENGLIANG Gong Shengliang, arrested in China since 2001 and given a life sentence in prison for his leadership of a large house church movement, is suffering from lack of medical treatment after suffering a stroke. (Info June 2013) HUO JUNLONG Paul (1963) Underground Catholic priest and vicar general of the Baoding diocese, he was arrested on August 6, 2004 in Hebei province. He is still in prison. (Info January 2011) China - Prisoners - 1 -
HU YING A leader in the South China Church arrested in 2000 and given a life sentence in prison. HU YONG Leader of the embattled South China house church movement, sentenced in December 2002 to a life sentence on charges of belonging to a «cult». JIANG YANLI Catholic priest, from Qing Yuan County, Hebei. He is still detained. (Info January 2011) LI DE Joseph Catholic priest arrested on May 31, 2010, together with Wang Jianchen in Beijing area. He was ordained in November 2009 as a priest of the underground church. LIU HONGGENG Catholic priest in Baoding, Hebei. He was arrested in 2003 and is still in prison. (Info January 2011) LU GENJUN (1962) Underground Catholic priest of Baoding diocese, Hebei province. Sentenced on April 13, 2001, to 3 years of re-education camp, he was released in spring 2004. He was arrested again on February 17, 2006. He is still in prison. (Info January 2011) MA WUYONG (1974) Underground Catholic priest in Baoding diocese, Hebei province. He was arrested with nine others on Aug. 6, 2004. He is still detained in Qing Yuan County detention centre. (Info January 2011) PANG GUANGZHAO Underground Catholic priest of Baoding diocese, arrested on July 1, 2003, in Hebei Province. He is still detained. (Info January 2011) China - Prisoners - 2 -
PAUL MA Priest arrested in March 2009. Prisoner s list September 2017 SHI ENXIANG Cosmas (1921) Bishop of the underground Catholic Yixian Diocese, Hebei. Arrested in April 2001. His whereabouts are unknown. (Info July 2010) SU ZHEMIN James (1932) Underground Catholic Bishop of Baoding, Hebei province, detained since October 1997. At the end of 2003, he was able to talk briefly with some family members in hospital, but his present whereabouts are unknown. (Info July 2010) TAN WEN Pastor of Muen Church in Urumqi was arrested in a private house on August 4, 2013 during a church service. WANG JIANCHEN Joseph (1972) Catholic priest, arrested in May 2010 in the Beijing area. He had been ministering in the underground church of Huaian and Wenquan district, Hebei, for 10 years. WANG QUANJUN Catholic priest in Baoding diocese, Hebei Province. He was again arrested in 2005 and is still in prison. (Info January 2011) WANG XIONGWEI Catholic priest in Qing Yuan County, Hebei province. He is still detained. (Info January 2011) XU JINSHUI (1936) Christian arrested in April 1999 and given a life sentence for taking part in an «anti-revolutionary organization». China - Prisoners - 3 -
ZHANG ZHAGOGI Pastor, arrested in Nanli and charged with 12 years of prison on July 8, 2014. ZHOU BENYOU (1967) Christian arrested in October 1994 and given a life sentence. Released YANG RONGLI Church leader, accused of «illegally occupying farm land» and «disturbing public transport order by gathering the masses». She wanted to protest against the fact that military police and civilians had attacked the church members and building on September 13, 2009 (Fushan Church in Linfen City, Shanxi Province). On November 25, 2009, she was sentenced to 7 years of prison. On October 10, 2016 she was released but remains under government restrictions. She is married to Pastor Wang Xiaoguang. China - Released - 4 -
Under house arrest Prisoner s list September 2017 GAO ZHISHENG (1964) Beijing-based human rights and Christian lawyer, Gao Zhisheng, who had been under house arrest since November 2007, was taken into custody in January 2009. On April 6, 2010 he was released for a short period. His wife and their two children had left China in March 2009 for the USA. Since April 20, 2010, he was detained in an unknown location. The state-run Xinhua News Agency reported in December 2011 that Gao Zhisheng had to serve another 3 years prison sentence. He was released on August 7, 2014 but remains under house arrest. (Info January 2015) WU QINJING Joseph (1969) Bishop Wu Qinjing has been under house arrest since November 2007. Unclear status HUA HUIQI On September 17, 2009, this prominent house church leader was seized by the public security bureau and the state bureau security agents from Fengtai district in Beijing. China - Unclear status - 5 -
Egypt Prisoners Prisoner s list September 2017 IBRAHIM FAWZY ABDO and REFAAT FAWZY ABDO Egyptian authorities sent Ibrahim and Refaat to El Wadi El Gadid Detention Camp on November 22, 2008. They were wrongly accused of killing a Muslim. On May 3, 2009, they were released on bail, but the Minya State Security Services issued a new detention order and arrested them again on May 20, 2009, for «security reasons.» They are still detained. MAKRAM DIAB Coptic school secretary sentenced to 6 years of prison on March 1, 2012 for «insulting the prophet Muhammad». He is held in Assiut prison. NADIA MOHAMED ALI Nadia Mohamed Ali, a Christian lady from Upper Egypt became a Muslim when she got married in 1990. After the death of her husband she converted back to Christianity. Her 7 children also converted. The whole family was sentenced on January 13, 2013, to 15 years of prison. NASEEM ABDEL-MALAK (1961) Coptic Christian arrested in late 1997. On November 13, 1997, he was given a life sentence with hard labour. A medical doctor, director of the El-Khanka Hospital, accused of having illegally released a mentally ill Islamic fundamentalist who killed 9 German tourists in Cairo in September 1997. Naseem is married with 2 children. Egypt - Prisoners - 6 -
Eritrea Prisoner s list September 2017 Independent Christians are viewed as enemies of the State by the regime, a single-party dictatorship headed by Isaias Afewerki. In 2002, all religious communities other than Islam and the Orthodox, Catholic and Lutheran Church were banned while evangelical groups were forced into illegality. The latter are undergoing massive persecution. According to estimates of local officials, 1200 Christians are in prison. Dozens of people have died due to inhuman jail conditions. Even registered churches are increasingly becoming victims of repression. Prisoners ANTONIOS ABUNE Head of the Orthodox Church, removed from his position in 2007 after criticising the Eritrean government for interference in church activities. Patriarch Antonios, who has never been charged with any offence, remains under house arrest and strict state surveillance. HAILE NAIGZHI Leader of Fulls Gospel Church, arrested on May 23, 2004 and taken to Wongel Mermera prison in Asmara. FUTSUM GEBRENEGUS Eritrea's only psychiatrist. He also served as an Orthodox priest. Arrested in November 2004 for allegedly being involved in the renewal movement within the Orthodox Church. GEBREMEDHIN GEBREGIORSIS Expert theologian and Orthodox priest also arrested in November 2004 for allegedly being involved in the renewal movement within the Orthodox Church. Eritrea - Prisoners - 7 -
KIDANE WELDOU Senior pastor of the Full Gospel Church and member of the executive committee of Gideons International in Eritrea. When his vehicle was found abandoned in 2005, his wife and 4 children assumed he had been arrested. Believed to be in Wongel Mermera prison in Asmara. KIFLU GEBREMESKEL Founder and senior pastor of Southwest Full Gospel Church, and member of the executive committee to the Full Gospel Church of Eritrea. Before he became a fulltime pastor, Dr. Gebremeskel was also a mathematics lecturer and until 1999 was department and faculty head at the University of Asmara. He has a Ph.D. in mathematics from Chicago University. He was arrested in Asmara in May 2004. His wife and their 4 children have not been able to visit him. MERON GEBRESELASIE Anaesthetist and pastor of Massawa Rhema Church. Arrested on June 3, 2004 in Asmara. He is detained in Wongel Mermera prison. OGBAMICHAEL TEKLEHAIMANOT Senior pastor of the Kale Hiwot Church. Arrested for participating in a Protestant wedding ceremony in Barentu on January 9, 2005. Taken to Asmara Police Station No. 5, then subjected to 10 months of solitary confinement and hard labour at Sawa military camp. He was released in 2011 after 6 years spent in prison. Re-arrested 6 months later, after a fleeing church member, who was being monitored, called him. Now back in prison in Barentu, where he has been for 11 years in total. TEKLEAB MENGHISTEAB Doctor and Orthodox priest arrested in November 2004 for alleged involvement in the renewal movement within the Orthodox Church. Eritrea - Prisoners - 8 -
India Prisoner s list September 2017 On October 1, 2013, seven innocent Christians were given a life sentence by the district court of Phulbani in Odisha. They are accused of the murder of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati in August 2008. This incident triggered off the violence against the Christian community in Odisha. Prisoners BHASKAR SUNAMAJHI (1984) Married to Debaki and father of 1 son. He was arrested in December 2008. BIJAY KUMAR SUNSETH (1974) Married to Pabitra and father of 2 sons and 4 daughters. He was arrested in December 2008. BUDHADEB NAYAK (1974) Married to Nilandri and father of 3 sons and 2 daughters. He was arrested in autumn 2008. DURJO SUNAMAJHI (1981) Married to Gumili and father of 3 sons and 2 daughters. He was arrested in October 2008. India - Prisoners - 9 -
MUNDA BADMAJHI (1982) Married to Bamdiguali and father of 2 sons and 2 daughters. He was arrested in October 2008. SANATANA BADMAJHI (1980) Married to Badusi and father of 2 sons and 2 daughters. He was arrested in October 2008. Released on bail GORNATH CHALANSETH (1977) Married to Ruta and father of 3 sons and 1 daughter. He was arrested in December 2008. He was released on bail on April 1, 2016. Iran Prisoners ABDOLREZA ALI HAGHNEJAD (MATTHIAS) Member of «Church of Iran» he was arrested on January 11, 2010 in Shiraz facing charges of apostasy for leaving Islam. He was released on bail. Arrested again on July 5, 2014 in the northern city of Bandar-e-Anzali. On August 3, 2014 he was charged with «enmity against God» and in October 2014 sentenced to 6 years of prison. AHMAD BAZYAR He was arrested in Tehran on December 24, 2013. Iran - Prisoners - 10 -
ALI REZA He was arrested during a house church meeting on May 25, 2012 and is detained in Neishabour, Mashhad Prison. AMIN MAZLOOMI He was arrested on April 18, 2014 in Tehran. AMIR HOSSEIN NEMATOLLAHI He was arrested in Tehran on December 24, 2013. AMIR KIAN (1987) He was arrested during a house church service on August 12, 2014. He is held in Ghezel Hesar prison in Tehran. ANOUSHEH REZA BAKHSH VERONIKA Catholic lady, arrested on February 20, 2017 in Urmia together with her son. EBRAHIM FIRUZI (1985) Christian arrested on January 8, 2011 and charged with apostasy. He was released in autumn 2011. He was rearrested on March 7, 2013. On April 29, 2013 he was released on bail. On July 15, 2013 he was sentenced to 1 year of prison and 2 years in exile in the border town of Sarbaz in Sistan and Baluchestan province. He was due to be released in January, but in March 2015 he was sentenced to 5 years of prison. In July 2017 he went on hunger strike to protest against the conditions in prison in Karaj city. Iran - Prisoners - 11 -
EBRAHIM HOSSIN ZADEH (1982) Pastor of house church arrested on November 20, 2014 in Shiraz. EHSAN SADEGHI He was arrested on April 18, 2014 in Tehran and taken to an unknown location. EHMAD HAGHI He was arrested on September 27, 2014 in Isfahan. ESKANDAR REZAEI House church member of «Church of Iran» arrested on October 12, 2012 in Shiraz and released on bail on March 28, 2013. On July 16, 2013, he was sentenced to 1 year of prison.he started serving his prison sentence in July 2015 and was released end of 2015. In July 2017 he was re-arrested in Lar. FAEGEH NASROLLAHI She was arrested in Tehran on December 24, 2013. FARSHID MODARES AVAL Christian of Azeri region in Tabriz, was arrested on July 20, 2013. GEORGE ISAIAN He was arrested in Tehran on December 31, 2013. HADI ASHGERI He war arrested during a picnic on August 26, 2016 in Firuzkuh and sentenced to 10 years of prison on July 4, 2017. Iran - Prisoners - 12 -
HAMID REZA Christian of Azeri region in Tabriz, was arrested on July 20, 2013. HAMID REZA BORHANI He was arrested in Isfahan on September 2, 2014 with his wife Zeinab Akbari and taken to Dastgerd prison. HAMID REZA GHADIRI Christian arrested on May 29, 2013 in Isfahan. HESHMAT SHAFIEI He was arrested on September 27, 2014 in Isfahan. MAHNAZ RAFIEE She was arrested in August 2013 in Isfahan. MAJID SHEIDAEI He was arrested in Tehran on December 31, 2013. MARYAM ASADI She was arrested on April 18, 2014 in Tehran. MASOUD REZAEI House church member of «Church of Iran» arrested on October 12, 2012 in Shiraz and released on bail on March 19, 2013. On July 16, 2013 he was sentenced to 5 years of prison. He started serving his sentence in July 2014. MASTANEH RASTEGARI She was arrested in Tehran on December 24, 2013. MEHDI CHAGHAKABOUDI Christian arrested on February 21, 2012 in Kermanshah and detained in Hafezieh prison. Iran - Prisoners - 13 -
MEHDI VAZIRI (1986) He was arrested during a house church service on August 12, 2014. He is held in Ghezel Hesar prison in Tehran. MOHAMMAD BAHRAMI He was arrested in Shoush, Khuzestan on March 6, 2014 and released. In early April 2014 he was re-arrested. MOHAMMAD REZA FARID Christian arrested on May 29, 2013 in Isfahan. Mohammad-Reza Farid and Saeed Safi are Afghan Christians.They were also administrators of a Christian blog known as «Nejat-e-Ma» (Our Salvation). Their blog was blocked by Iranian cyber-police before their arrest. MOHAMMAD-REZA HOSSEINI Member of house church «Church of Iran» arrested in March 2012. MOHAMMAD-REZA PEYMANI He was arrested in August 2013 in Isfahan. MOHAMMAD-REZA PIRRI Christian of Azeri region in Tabriz, was arrested on July 20, 2013. His whereabouts remain unknown. MOHAMMAD VAHID ROGHANGIR House church member of «Church of Iran» arrested on October 12, 2012 in Shiraz and released on bail on March 19, 2013. On July 16, 2013 he was sentenced to 6 years of prison. On July 5, 2014 he was re-arrested in the northern city of Bandar-e-Anzali and taken to the prison in Shiraz to serve his sentence. MOJTABA BABA KARAMI Christian arrested on February 21, 2012 in Kermanshah and detained in Hafezieh prison. Iran - Prisoners - 14 -
MOLUK DARVISHI She was arrested in Isfahan on September 3, 2014 and taken to Dastgerd prison. MONA FAZLI House church member, she was arrested on August 9, 2013 in Tehran. MOSTAFA NADRI He was arrested in Tehran on December 31, 2013. NASI ASADI He was arrested on April 18, 2014 in Tehran. NASIM ZANJANI Arrested in spring 2013 in Tehran and sent to Evin prison. She is accused of organizing house church meetings. PARHAM FARAZMAND House church member, arrested on August 9, 2013 in Tehran. REZA RABBANI SILAS Christian arrested in Karaj on May 5, 2014 and sentenced to 6 years of prison in October 2014. RONAK SAMAVIT Arrested in March 2013 in Tehran and sent to Evin prison. She is accused of organizing house church meetings. SAEED SAFI Christian arrested on May 29, 2013 in Isfahan. Mohammad-Reza Farid and Saeed Safi are Afghan Christians.They were also administrators of a Christian blog known as «Nejat-e-Ma» (Our Salvation). Their blog was blocked by Iranian cyber-police before their arrest. SAHAR MOUSAVI Christian lady, student activist, arrested on October 24, 2011. Iran - Prisoners - 15 -
SARA RAHIMI NEJAD She was arrested in Tehran on December 31, 2013. Prisoner s list September 2017 SARA SARDSIRIAN House church member, she was arrested on August 9, 2013 in Tehran. SEDIGHEH AMIRKHANI She was arrested in August 2013 in Isfahan. SEDIGHEH KIANI House church member, she was arrested on August 9, 2013 in Tehran. SEVADA AGHASAR Armenian orthodox Christian arrested on August 21, 2013 and released on bail on March 2, 2014. In 2015 he was sentenced to 5 years of prison. Since July 4, 2017 he is serving his sentence in Evin prison in Tehran. SHAHRAM GHAEDI (1982) Arrested on February 22, 2012 in Isfahan. He was released on bail on May 1, 2012. On September 27, 2014 he was again arrested in Isfahan. He is a theatre actor and a member of St. Paul Church in Isfahan. SHAHRZAD S. (1988) Young Christian lady arrested on January 9, 2013 in Tehran. She allegedly remains detained. SOHEIL ZARAGARZADEH SANI AUGUSTINE Catholic, arrested on February 20, 2017 in Urmia together with his mother. SOMAYEH BAKHTIARI Arrested in March 2013 in Tehran and sent to Evin prison. She is accused of organizing house church meetings. Iran - Prisoners - 16 -
SOROUSH SARAEI House church member of «Church of Iran» arrested on October 12, 2012 in Shiraz and released on bail on March 19, 2013. On July 16, 2013 he was sentenced to 2 1/2 years of prison. On July 5, 2014 he was re-arrested in Bandar-e-Anzali and taken to Shiraz to serve his sentence. He was released end of 2015. In July 2017 he was re-arrested. VAHID SAFI He was arrested on April 18, 2014 in Tehran. ZEINAB AKBARI She was arrested in Isfahan on September 2, 2014 with her husband Hamid Reza Borhani and taken to Dastgerd prison. Released BIJAN FAROKHPOUR HAGHIGHI House church member of «Church of Iran» arrested on October 12, 2012 in Shiraz and released on bail. On July 16, 2013, he was sentenced to 3 years of prison. He started serving his prison sentence in July 2015 and was released end of 2015. HOMAYOUN SHOKOOHI Christian arrested on February 8, 2012 in Shiraz and detained in Adel- Abad prison. He is married to Fariba Nazemian. They have two children. He was sentenced to 4 years and 4 months of prison in early June 2013. He was conditionally released on November 10, 2014. A few days later he had to return to prison. He was released in June 2015. MARYAM NAGASH ZARGARAN (1978) Christian lady sentenced to 4 years of prison, detained in Evin prison in Tehran since July 15, 2013. She was released on August 1, 2017. Iran - Released - 17 -
MEHDI AMERUNI House church member of «Church of Iran» arrested on October 12, 2012 in Shiraz and released one week later. On July 16, 2013 he was sentenced to 3 years of prison. On July 23, 2014 he was summonded to serve his sentence and taken to Adel Abad prison in Shiraz. He was released end of 2015. SHAHIN LAHOUTI House church member of «Church of Iran» arrested on October 12, 2012 in Shiraz and released on bail. On July 16, 2013 he was sentenced to 2 1/2 years of prison. His prison sentence started in April 2014. He was due to be released in October 2016. Released on bail AMIN AFSHAR NADERI He was arrested at a Christmas celebration on December 26, 2014 in Tehran. In March 2015 he was released on bail and re-arrested in August 2016 at a picnic in Firuzkuh. On July 4, 2017 he was sentenced to 15 years of prison. After a hunger-strike of 21 days he was released on bail on July 25, 2017. AMIR SINA DASHTI He was arrested on a picnic in Firuzkuh on August 26, 2016 and released on bail. MAYSAM HOJATI (SOROUSH) House-church member arrested in Isfahan on December 23, 2015. He already spent 2 months in prison in spring 2012. On January 6, 2016 he was charged with apostasy and evangelism and released on bail. Iran - Released on bail - 18 -
KAVIYAN FALLAH-MOHAMMADI He was arrested at a Christmas celebration on December 26, 2014 in Tehran. On a picnic in Firuzkuh on August 26, 2016 he was re-arrested and released on bail. On July 4, 2017 he was sentenced to 10 years of prison. MOHAMAD DENAY He was arrested on a picnic in Firuzkuh on August 26, 2016 and released on bail. MOHAMMAD REZA OMIDI Arrested in May 2016 in Rasht. He was sentenced to 10 years of prison on June 24, 2017 for action against national security. RAMIEL BET TAMRAZ He was arrested on a picnic in Firuzkuh on August 26, 2016 and released on bail. SAHED FADAIE Arrested in May 2016 in Rasht. He was sentenced to 10 years of prison on June 24, 2017 for action against national security. VICTOR BET TAMRAZ He was arrested at a Christmas celebration on December 26, 2014 in Tehran. In March 2015 he was released on bail. On July 4, 2017 he was sentenced to 10 years of prison. VRUIR AVANESSIAN (1952) Rev. Avanessian was sentenced to 3 1/2 years of prison on December 5, 2013. He spent 15 days in prison after his arrest on Christmas 2012 and is awaiting his appeal. He needs kidney dialysis three times a week. Iran - Released on bail - 19 -
YASHAR FARZIN NO Christian of Azeri region in Tabriz, arrested on July 20, 2013 and released. Arrested in May 2016 in Rasht. He was sentenced to 10 years of prison on June 24, 2017 for action against national security. YASSER MOSSAYEBZADEH Arrested in May 2016 in Rasht. He was sentenced to 10 years of prison on June 24, 2017 for action against national security. Released with ban YOUCEF NADARKHANI (1978) Leader of «Church of Iran», he was arrested on Oct. 13, 2009 in Rasht. He was sentenced to death for apostasy in autumn 2010. In September 2012 he was sentenced to 3 years in prison for «evangelism to Muslims». On 8 September 2012, he was released after having spent 2 years and 11 months in prison. Arrested again in May 2016 in Rasht, he was released the same day. On June 24, 2017 he was sentenced to 10 years of prison for action against national security. ABBAS KIANI Christian arrested on February 20, 2013 in Shahin-Shahr near Isfahan together with 17 other converts. One month later they were released on bail until their trial in spring 2015. He was sentenced to 1 year of prison and 2 years of ban to leave the country. AKBAR AHMADI Christian arrested on February 20, 2013 in Shahin-Shahr near Isfahan together with 17 other converts. One month later they were released on bail until their trial in spring 2015. He was sentenced to 1 year of prison and 2 years of ban to leave the country. Released in spring 2016. Iran - Released with ban - 20 -
Iran - Released with ban - 21 - Prisoner s list September 2017 BITA JA FARI Christian lady arrested on February 20, 2013 in Shahin-Shahr near Isfahan together with 17 other converts. One month later they were released on bail until their trial in spring 2015. She was sentenced to 1 year of prison and 2 years of ban to leave the country. Released in spring 2016. FATEMEH ZAREIE Christian lady, arrested on February 20, 2013 in Shahin-Shahr near Isfahan together with 17 other converts. One month later they were released on bail until their trial in spring 2015. She was sentenced to 1 year of prison and 2 years of ban to leave the country. Released in spring 2016. MASOUMEH DASHTI Christian lady arrested on February 20, 2013 in Shahin-Shahr near Isfahan together with 17 other converts. One month later they were released on bail until their trial in spring 2015. She was sentenced to 1 year of prison and 2 years of ban to leave the country. Released in spring 2016. NASRIN KIAMARZI Christian lady arrested on February 20, 2013 in Shahin-Shahr near Isfahan together with 17 other converts. One month later they were released on bail until their trial in spring 2015. She was sentenced to 1 year of prison and 2 years of ban to leave the country. Released in spring 2016. NEDA FOULADI Christian lady arrested on February 20, 2013 in Shahin-Shahr near Isfahan together with 17 other converts. One month later they were released on bail until their trial in spring 2015. She was sentenced to 1 year of prison and 2 years of ban to leave the country. Released in spring 2016. RAMIN BAKHTIARVAND Christian arrested on February 20, 2013 in Shahin-Shahr near Isfahan together with 17 other converts. One month later they were released on bail until their trial in spring 2015. He was sentenced to 1 year of prison and 2 years of ban to leave the country. Released in spring 2016.
SAMIRA FOULADI Christian lady arrested on February 20, 2013 in Shahin-Shahr near Isfahan together with 17 other converts. One month later they were released on bail until their trial in spring 2015. She was sentenced to 1 year of prison and 2 years of ban to leave the country. Released in spring 2016. SARAH FOULADI Christian lady arrested on February 20, 2013 in Shahin-Shahr near Isfahan together with 17 other converts. One month later they were released on bail until their trial in spring 2015. She was sentenced to 1 year of prison and 2 years of ban to leave the country. Released in spring 2016. Kazakhstan Under house arrest BAKHYTZHAN KASHKUMBAYEV (1946) Presbyterian pastor of Grace church in Astana, was arrested on May 17, 2013. On February 18, 2014 he was released but given a 4 year prison sentence and a fine of CHF 9500. He is under house arrest for 4 years with 3 years of probation. He is married to Alfia. Morocco Prisoners JAMAA AIT BAKRIM (1964) Muslim background believer, sentenced to 15 years of prison on December 28, 2005, in Agadir. He was accused of destruction of the goods of others and proselytism and is detained in Kenitra prison. Morocco - Prisoners - 22 -
Pakistan Prisoners Prisoner s list September 2017 AGNES BASHIR (1959) Christian lady arrested on February 6, 2011 and accused of blasphemy in a case of land property. She is detained in Faisalabad jail. ANWAR KENNETH (1941) Arrested on September 25, 2001 in Lahore, Anwar Kenneth distributed a pamphlet, the Gospel of Jesus. On July 18, 2002, he was sentenced to death.he is imprisoned in New Central Jail Multan. He has not been executed because of his medical condition (mentally disturbed). However he is still behind bars. (Info Oct. 2014) ARSHAD MASIH (1972) Arshad Masih was arrested on December 28, 2008 and is detained in Sialkot prison. ASHIQ KINGRI MASIH (1977) Catholic man who had converted to Islam in order to marry a Muslim girl. Jailed since May 3, 2000, he was charged with blasphemy after he tried to return to his Christian faith as the marriage didn't take place. On June 29, 2002, the Faisalabad District and Sessions Court sentenced him to a life term in prison. He is still in prison. (Info Oct 2014) ASIA NOREEN BIBI (1965) Asia Noreen is the first woman in Pakistan sentenced to death on November 8, 2010. She was accused by Muslim villagers of blaspheming Muhammad and defaming Islam and was arrested on June 19, 2009. Pakistan - Prisoners - 23 -
FAYAZ MASIH (1985) Was arrested on October 4, 2010. His land-owner falsely accused him and village people wanted to burn him. Fayaz had previously refused to work for him without being paid. He is still in prison. (Info Oct 2014) IMRAN MASIH (1990) Arrested in July 2009, he was accused of robbery by his former boss. The charge was converted from robbery into blasphemy which led to 10 years of imprisonment. He was attacked by other prisoners and brought to hospital. After one month he went back to district jail Hazro. (Info Oct. 2014) REHMAT MASIH (1925) He was arrested on June 19, 2010 and accused of blaspheming Islam by his Muslim neighbour. He is in Faisalabad District Jail. He is still in prison. (Info Oct. 2014) SAAJID INAYAT (1992) Young Christian arrested on May 18, 2012 in Farooqabad, Punjab Province. He is falsely accused of desecrating the Quran. He is still in prison. (Info Oct. 2014) SAWAN MASIH Christian arrested in March 2013, accused of blasphemy. He was sentenced to death on March 27, 2014. He appealed to Lahore High Court. SHAFQAT AND SHAGUFTA MASIH Christian couple from Gojra, arrested on July 20, 2013 and accused of blasphemy. Shafqat is disabled. They have 3 children, Zain (2001), Danish (2003) and Saira (2006). The children live with their grandfather Emmanuel Masih. Pakistan - Prisoners - 24 -
WAJIH UL HASSAN (1973) He was arrested in March 1999 and sentenced to death in 2001 under the blasphemy law. His family appealed and the sentence was confirmed on 29.09.2010 by the Lahore High Court. He is confined in Sheikhupura Jail and his appeal against the sentence is pending before the Supreme Court of Pakistan. He is still in prison. (Info Oct. 2014) Released on bail ADNAN PRINCE (MASIH) 1987 Young Christian arrested in October 2013 and accused of blasphemy by his colleague. On February 3, 2017 he was released on bail. SHAMIM BIBI (1985) Christian lady arrested on February 28, 2012 and falsely accused of «blaspheming» the Prophet in Punjab Province. She was released on bail on November 4, 2012 and is awaiting her trial. She is the mother of a young daughter. Her relatives converted to Islam and asked her do to the same. Tajikistan Prisoners BAHROM HOLMATOV Pastor Bahrom was arrested on 10 April 2017 and sentenced to 3 years of prison in July 2017. He is married to Gulnora with 3 children. Tajikistan - Prisoners - 25 -
Vietnam Prisoners Prisoner s list September 2017 DANG XUAN DIEU François Xavier (1980) Catholic arrested on July 30, 2011 from the Vinh diocese. He was sentenced to 13 years of prison and 5 years of house arrest on January 9, 2013. HO DUC HOA Pierre (1975) Catholic arrested on July 30, 2011. He was sentenced to 13 years of prison and 5 years of house arrest on January 9, 2013. NGUYEN CONG CHINH (1960) Pastor of the American Lutheran church of Vietnam, sentenced on March 23, 2012 to 11 years of prison. He was arrested in April 2011. He is married to Trân Thi Hông with 4 children. NGUYEN DANG MINH MAN (1986) Young Catholic lady arrested in summer 2011 and sentenced to 8 years in prison and 5 years of house arrest. NGUYEN VAN DAI (1969) Christian attorney convicted on May 11, 2007 of «propagandizing against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam» and sentenced to 5 years of prison and 4 years of house arrest. His sentence was reduced by 1 year due to international pressure. He was re-arrested on December 16, 2015. On July 30, 2017 the governement accused him of activities aiming at overthrowing the popular administration. Vietnam - Prisoners - 26 -
NGUYEN VAN OAI Jean-Baptiste (1982) Young Catholic, arrested on July 30, 2011 and sentenced to 3 years of prison and 2 years of house arrest on January 9, 2013. He was relased in August 2015. On January 19, 2017 he was re-arrested and is waiting for his trial. Under house arrest DUONG KIM KAI (1959) Pastor of Mennonite church was arrested on August 16, 2010 and sentenced to 5 years of prison and 5 years of house arrest on May 30, 2011. He was due to be released in August 2015 and remains under house arrest. HO THI BICH KHUONG (1967) Christian lady of Full Gospel House Church in Northern state Nghe sentenced to 5 years of prison and 5 years of house arrest on December 29, 2011. She was due to be released in December 2016 and remains under house arrest. KSOR Y DU (1965) Evangelist originally from central Vietnam, he was arrested in January 2010 and sentenced to 6 years of prison and 4 years of house arrest on November 15, 2010. He is married to Le H'Gioi with a daughter. Ksor Y Du had spent already 4 years in prison, from 2004 to 2008. He was released in January 2016 and remains under house arrest. LE VAN DON (SON) Paul (1986) Catholic journalist arrested on August 3, 2011 from Thanh Hoa Diocese. He was sentenced to 13 years in prison and 5 years under house arrest on January 9, 2013. In May 2013 his prison sentence was reduced to 4 years. He was released in August 2015 and remains under house arrest. Vietnam - Under house arrest - 27 -
NGUYEN DINH CUONG Pierre (1982) Young Catholic arrested on December 24, 2011 in Vinh. He was sentenced to 4 years of prison and 3 years of house arrest on January 9, 2013. He was released in December 2015 and remains under house arrest. THAI VAN DUNG (1989) Young Catholic arrested in August 2011. He was sentenced to 5 years of prison and 3 years of house arrest on January 9, 2013. He was released in August 2015 and remains under house arrest. NGUYEN VAN DUYET (1981) Young Catholic arrested on August 7, 2011. He was sentenced to 6 years of prison and 4 years of house arrest on January 9, 2013. He remains under house-arrest. Released VO THI THUY (1961) Catholic lady sentenced to 5 years of prison on March 6, 2012 in the province of Nghê An for anti-government propaganda. She was due to be released in spring 2017. Vietnam - Released - 28 -
Prisoner s list 2017 This list is meant to stimulate your intercession for the Christian prisoners. It is updated regularly and revised according to both internal Open Doors information and other external sources. It does in no way claim to be exhaustive. For various reasons, we will never be able to collect all their names. These Christians were imprisoned either because of their faith in Jesus-Christ, or because they belong to a Christian minority. Many were convicted on the basis of false accusations or because of their Christian activities. Thank you for your faithful prayer for our brothers and sisters of the persecuted Church. May the Lord bless you in this ministry! Sources: Eglises d Asie, Evangelical Fellowship of India, Forum 18, Cardinal Kung Foundation, Middle East Concern, Mohabat News, World Watch Ministries, Life for All Pakistan. Would you like to write to Christians of the persecuted Church? Find out more on our webpage www.opendoors.ch/letter-writing Please do not write to the prisoners. Open Doors Post Box 147 CH-1032 Romanel s/lausanne T 021 731 01 40 F 021 731 01 49 E info@opendoors.ch I www.opendoors.ch Copyright Open Doors 2017