IRAN: Christian Prisoner Denied Adequate Medical Care

Source: VOMC
Sources: Article18, Open Doors, Church in Chains

Aida Najaflou Photo: Article18

Aida Najaflou, a 44-year-old Christian convert, was arrested in February by Iranian authorities for allegedly "acting against the Islamic Republic" because of her faith in Jesus. The believer has suffered from physical ailments for years, including rheumatoid arthritis.

Since her imprisonment, Aida has repeatedly been denied proper medical care – a common hardship experienced by Christian prisoners in Iran. Her request for a lower bed was denied, forcing the Christian woman to climb into an upper bunk despite her health limitations. Tragically, Aida suffered a fall from her bunk bed on October 31st, resulting in a spinal fracture.

Following the accident, the believer was taken to hospital where doctors confirmed the fracture and recommended immediate surgery. However, against medical advice, officials transferred Aida back to prison on a stretcher, disregarding her painful injuries. Fellow inmates in the women's ward of Evin Prison staged a protest in support of Aida, which eventually resulted in her transfer to another hospital for treatment. At the time of publishing this report, further details remain unknown.

Religious and political prisoners commonly face harsh conditions in the country's notorious Evin Prison. Aida, who cannot afford to pay the exorbitant bail amount of 11 billion tomans (about $135,000 CAD), is one of many Christians in Iran who remain incarcerated because of their faith.
To review other reports about the persecution of believers in this oppressive Middle Eastern country, visit our country profile.

• Pray that Aida will receive the urgent medical treatment she needs, and that her spinal injury will heal quickly and without complications.
• Intercede for this believer's physical endurance and emotional resilience, praying that she will experience God's presence and peace in the midst of suffering.
• Ask the Lord to powerfully intervene in Aida's case, softening the hearts of the Iranian authorities so that she will be rightfully released.