Published on: 15 January 2024
BACKGROUND SUMMARY
In the summer of 2023, Hakop Gochumyan, an Armenian citizen, and his wife Elisa, a dual Iranian-Armenian citizen, were on vacation in Iran visiting Elisa’s extended family. Their two children, ages 7 and 10, were with the couple.
On the evening of August 15, as Hakop and Elisa visited friends in a suburb of Tehran, police raided the property, confiscating personal items and Christian literature. Agents then took the couple to Elisa’s grandmother’s house where the family was staying while in Iran and conducted a search of that property as well.
After the search was completed, Hakop and Elisa were arrested and taken to Evin prison where they were placed in solitary confinement and intensely interrogated. Elisa was eventually released on bail in October. Hapok has remained in prison. Reports state that his trial is to begin in January 2024.
Over 100 Christians were reported arrested throughout the summer of 2023 in what is being called an organized campaign against Believers.
Elisa is the daughter of Pastor Rafi Shahverdian (born in Iran on May 28, 1961, died in Armenia on January 19, 2023). Pastor Rafi was the founder and head pastor of People of God Church in Yerevan since 1993. He was also an author and founder of the first Christian kindergarten in Armenia, as well as an international speaker.
TIMELINE
August 15, 2023: Hakop Gochumyan and his wife Elisa arrested in Pardis, a suburb of Tehran.
September 2023: The couple’s two children are returned to Armenia with the help of a relative.
October 19, 2023: Elisa released on bail. Returned to Armenia to join her children.
January 7, 2023: Hapok’s trial to be held on charges of “propaganda against the state through the promotion of Christianity.”
PRAYER NEEDS
It is a well-known fact that prisoners undergo extreme suffering and torment at the hands of guards while imprisoned at Evin Prison.
Therefore, pray that the Lord protects Hakop’s life and grants him the faith and courage to be a light in a very dark place.
Pray that the judge hearing his case will see that there is no real evidence against him. Ask the Lord that the prosecution drop the case immediately and that Hakop be allowed to return to Armenia to his family.
TAKE ACTION
We have a strong advocate in the US Commission on International Religious Freedom in Washington D.C. Write to the USCIRF today and encourage their diplomatic efforts on behalf of Hakop Gochumyan and others like him who have been imprisoned in Iran for taking a stand in the fight for religious freedom.
Send your letter to: (view sample letters here)
The US Commission on International Religious Freedom
Att: Chair Rabbi Abraham Cooper
732 N. Capitol Street, N.W., Suite A714, Washington, D.C. 20401
OR
We want to encourage Hakop Gochumyan as he awaits the results of his first court hearing. We urge you to write letters of encouragement and hope.
Letters can be sent to: (view sample letters here)
Prisoner, Hakop Gochumyan
Evin Prison, Ward 209
Tehran Province, District 2
Tehran, Iran
Be sure to sign your letter with your first name only. (Please read our Prayer & Action Useful Tips to familiarize yourself with important safety measures when corresponding with persecuted Christians in foreign countries.)
Address the envelop as follows:
