Christian convert from Islam sent back to prison in Iran

Maryam Nargash Zargaran Open Doors UK/Facebook

A Christian convert from Islam in Iran has been sent back to prison in spite of suffering long-term health issues.

Maryam Naghash Zargaran, who has gone on hunger strike twice while in prison, had been released last month to get medical treatement after serving three years of a four-year sentence.

On Saturday she was locked up again in the notorious Evin prison and had to cut short her treatment, according to World Watch Monitor.

Amnesty International has criticised Iran's lack of adequate medical care in its prisons as "cruel".

Zargaran is a convert to Christianity from Islam who was arrested in January 2013 in connection with her work at an orphanage alongside the Christian pastor Saeed Abedini, who has dual Iranian and US citizenship. He was also imprisoned but released in January this year and is now in the US.

There has been a spate of arrests in Iran in recent weeks. A further five Iranian Christians were arrested at the end of August and there is growng concern for their safety, persecution charity Open Doors reported.

Zargaran's health deteriorated considerably during the hunger strike, her blood pressure dropped, she had pains and numbness in her feet and suffered psychological issues as a consequence of her imprisonment. She ended the latest hunger strike at the request of her family at the beginning of August, said Open Doors, which is asking for prayers.

News
Pope's body to lie in state until funeral on Saturday
Pope's body to lie in state until funeral on Saturday

The body of Francis will lie in state inside St Peter’s Basilica from Wednesday until his funeral on Saturday morning.

Cardinal Nichols mourns death of Pope Francis
Cardinal Nichols mourns death of Pope Francis

The head of Catholic Church in England and Wales, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, says the world has lost a powerful voice for the poor and marginalised with the death of Pope Francis. 

Estonian church appeals to Rome and CofE for help against proposed government ban
Estonian church appeals to Rome and CofE for help against proposed government ban

Estonia is trying to ban it's largest church due to Russian ties

Despite civil war, interfaith relations in the Central African Republic are 'fairly good'
Despite civil war, interfaith relations in the Central African Republic are 'fairly good'

The Pope, going against advice, helped inter-faith unity in the CAR