CSW calls for release of Christian women in Iran

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is urgently calling for the discharge of two female Christian converts from Islam still being held there without charge.

CSW made the call following the release of Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi from Evin prison in Iranian capital, Tehran, on Monday.

Maryam Rostampour, 27, and Marzieh Amirizadeh, 30, were arrested by Iranian security officers on 5 March 2009 after their apartment was searched and their Bibles confiscated amongst other items.

Neither women have committed a crime as defined under Iranian or international law.

According to reports from news agency Associated Press, Ms Saberi was reunited with her parents on Monday after an appeals court reduced her eight-year sentence for espionage to a two-year suspended term.

CSW’s Advocacy Director Tina Lambert said: ”CSW warmly welcomes today’s news of Roxana Saberi’s release, but remains deeply concerned for the safety of Maryam and Marzieh.

"CSW believes both women are detained primarily because of their religious convictions.

"We urgently ask that the Iranian Government show the same prudence they expressed in releasing Ms. Saberi by allowing these innocent Christian women to go free.”