Iranian Judge Charges Women Converts with Apostasy

ASSIST News Service reports that an Iranian judge has charged two Christian women with apostasy and propagation of the Christian faith. Maryam Rustampoor, 27, and Marzieh Amirizadeh, 30, were unexpectedly taken before the court on Oct. 7. The women have been held in Evin Prison since March 5. "In a positive development, their case has now been transferred from the revolutionary court to the regular courts after the judge dropped the earlier charge of anti-state activities. Maryam, Marzieh and their lawyer are pleased with this development," said a spokesperson for International Christian Concern. In an interview with the Voice of America Persian News Network, Maryam and Marzieh's lawyer said, "My clients are not prepared to lie about their faith under any condition."