Iran: Christian Prisoner Begins Hunger Strike as Protest

Veronica Neffinger | iBelieve Contributor | Updated: Jun 01, 2016

Iran: Christian Prisoner Begins Hunger Strike as Protest

A Christian convert who was imprisoned for her faith has gone on hunger strike to protest the lack of needed medical attentions she is receiving while in prison.

According to ChrisitanToday.com, Maryam Naghash Zargaram, who is a friend and former colleague of released Iranian prisoner Pastor Saeed Abedini, began her hunger strike on May 25.

Zargaran, who is known as Nisim, underwent heart surgery around nine years ago and is in need of medical treatment. However, authorities have denied her request for medical attention because they do not want her to leave the prison facility.

"Maryam hasn't left her bed in four days. She is burning with fever and has been on hunger strike to raise her protest against prison authorities' indifference toward her health, her request for temporary release or leave which every prisoner is entitled to," one of her family members told Mohabat News.

"She is suffering from serious health issues. Before going on hunger strike she had lost 25 KG and her health issues had intensified. Authorities do not show the slightest concern over Maryam's health. In addition, she is suffering from depression and takes depression medications for it," they added.

Zargaran is receiving support from fellow prisoners, as well as from Pastor Saeed, who posted a plea for her release on Facebook.

Abedini commended Zargaran for her commitment to ministry, saying, "Every time I got arrested, some leaders became afraid to work close to me and some left. But Nasim was the only one who stayed beside us until the end when I was put in Evin prison. This woman never gave up or chose fear and doubt. She always stayed beside us in Saeed Ministries until prison broke apart our ministry."

Zargaran was arrested in 2013 after she converted to Christianity from Islam. She was charged with “action against national security.”

Publication date: June 1, 2016



Iran: Christian Prisoner Begins Hunger Strike as Protest