Christian convert in prison in Iran is seriously ill and in urgent need of medical care

Maryam Nargash Zargaran Open Doors UK/Facebook

Maryam Naghash Zargaran, the Christian convert in prison in Iran, is seriosly ill and in urgent need of medical care, say sources in Iran.

Maryam's health deteriorated badly last week and she has lost a lot of weight, according to the Irananian news agency Mohabat.

Maryam, who survived a hunger strike last year and is now also suffering depression and trauma, is in prison in the women's ward of the notoriously-harsh Evin prison in Iran.

She is still in prison after her incarcaeration was lengthened to compensate for time she was allowed to go home or to hospital so she could be treated for her serious medical conditions.

Iranian Christian Convert Maryam Naghash Zargaran is serving a four-year sentence in Evin Prison for practising her Christian faith in Iran. Facebook

Iranian Christian Convert Maryam Naghash Zargaran is serving a four-year sentence in Evin Prison for practising her Christian faith in Iran.

Last year sources told the Christian charity Open Doors that her sentence had been made longer. They also described how the severity of conditions inside the notorious Evin Prison have contributed to the severity of her medical problems.

Her medical problems include heart disease, osteoporosis, arthritis and lumbar disc disease.

Maryam was sentenced to four years in prison after her arrest in January 2013 in connection with work on an orphanage she did with Saeed Abedini, an American former Muslim who converted in 2000.

Abedini, active in the underground house church movement in Iran, was also imprisoned in Evin. He was released in January last year and returned to the United States, where his wife has filed for divorce.

Maryam's hunger strike last year lasted 27 days. She stopped after she was told she would be released, but as yet there seems to be little sign of that.

News
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest

Of the eight children murdered during lockdown, 7 were killed thanks to the actions of a step parent or new partner.

Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fifth year running
Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fifth year running

Abortion was legalised in Northern Ireland in 2019.

Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high
Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high

Across the country, people are looking to the church for help.

Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year
Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year

Isaiah 41:10 had the highest international engagement on YouVersion during 2025, while in the UK it was Jeremiah 29:11 that topped the list.