Originally published in Worthy News
The wife of imprisoned Iranian pastor Joseph Shahbazian has been ordered to begin serving a 13-year prison sentence, nearly a year after her conviction, Christian sources told Worthy News.
Lida Alexani, 58, was summoned to Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison on October 9, according to Christian advocacy groups. It was not immediately clear on Monday whether she had already entered the facility.
Alexani was among five Iranian Christians sentenced to lengthy prison terms on October 21 last year over activities linked to their Christian faith. Her husband, Pastor Joseph Shahbazian, received a 16-year prison sentence for leading a house church, Christian sources said.
“Pastor Joseph and fellow believer Nasser Navard Gol-Tapeh have both been imprisoned since February of 2025, prior to the official October 2025 sentencing,” explained Voice of the Martyrs Canada (VOMC), a Christian advocacy group, in a message to Worthy News. “Lida and the other two convicted women were freed on bail.”
“However, on October 9th of this year – almost 12 months after her initial conviction – Lida was summoned to report to the officials of Evin Prison where she has been ordered to begin serving her sentence,” VOMC added.
Christian worship targeted
The charges against her reportedly include “deviant proselytising” and “gathering and collusion,” linked to Christian worship and house-church activities.
Alexani was sentenced to a total of 13 years in prison on separate charges, although under Iranian law she is reportedly expected to serve only the longest sentence of eight years.
She was previously arrested in April 2025 and spent about a month in Evin Prison, much of it in solitary confinement, before being released on bail equivalent to approximately $50 000 (R831 000).
Christian rights organisations have raised concerns about the prosecution of believers in Iran, where converts from Islam and members of unregistered house churches can face arrest and imprisonment under national-security-related legislation.
Alexani, a mother and grandmother, faces imprisonment while her husband is already serving a lengthy sentence, placing further strain on their family.
Prayers for imprisoned Iranians
VOMC urged Christians to pray that Alexani would experience God’s presence and protection throughout her ordeal, including the strength to endure imprisonment physically, emotionally and spiritually.
The organisation also appealed for prayers for “the safe release of all five imprisoned Iranian believers” and for Iranian authorities to allow Christians to practice their faith without fear of prosecution.
It expressed hope that Christians in Iran would be able “to worship and serve Him freely without any restraint, risk of imprisonment, or threat of death”.
The developments come amid wider concerns about the future of Iran’s Christian minority and the security situation in the Islamic Republic.
Several Iranian Christians have fled the country, including to destinations in Asia, Worthy News learned from reliable sources, amid mounting concerns about the possibility of renewed warfare involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
Iran ranks among worst
Iran ranks 10th on the 2026 World Watch List published by Christian advocacy organisation Open Doors, which identifies the 50 countries where Christians face the most severe persecution.
Open Doors estimates that Iran has about 800 000 Christians, representing roughly 0.9% of its predominantly Muslim population of more than 90 million.
Although Iran officially recognises Christianity as a minority religion, converts from Islam and Christians involved in independent house churches face restrictions, surveillance and possible prosecution, as Worthy News has documented.
Christian advocacy groups say authorities frequently use national-security-related charges against believers involved in unauthorized worship gatherings, evangelism and other religious activities.
They have urged Iranian authorities to release Christians jailed over what they say are peaceful faith-related activities.
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