Farshid Fathi was arrested in Tehran, Iran on Dec. 26, 2010. His charges were “acting against national security” due to his work as a Christian pastor. He was held in Evin Prison, a prison that is well-known for its very harsh living conditions and high level of political prisoners, until he was brought to trial in February of 2012. He was then given a six-year sentence, later extended to seven years, which he would return to Evin Prison to serve. Farshid was held for 5 years of his sentence until R&R Advocates stepped in, and on July 4, 2015, was notified by letter he would be released on December 10, 2015, but due to heightened international publicity, was released on December 21, two years ahead of schedule.

Prisoner 271 was arrested as a political revolutionary during the attempted revolution in Iran June, 2009. He was held for 96 days in Evin Prison, which is known for its harshness. Advocate David Lightfoot soon stepped in and, with some help from his network of high-level contacts, contacted President Ahmadinejad. Prisoner #271 was released on September 30 of the same year. He now consults with Rights and Revolution Advocates, and lobbies for others that have been wrongfully imprisoned.

Rasoul Abdollahi was arrested on December 26, 2010, due to working as a Christian pastor, as part of a large crackdown on Christian activity in Iran. His work was seen as political, and he was seen as a security threat. He was soon taken to court and given a three-year sentence for his “crimes.” He began in Evin Prison on December 2, 2013, before being moved to the even more brutal Rajai Shahr Prison in October 2014. However, on February 18, 2015, Rasoul was pardoned and released.

Arrested for anti-government activity and blasphemy due to her Christian faith, on March 5, 2009, Maryam Rostampour was sent to the brutal Evin Prison.  She spent fourteen months here as a religious prisoner. Maryam was joined in her struggle by fellow Christian Marzieh Amirisadeh.  She was released on May 22, 2010, and soon left Iran for another country.

Marzieh Amirisadeh was arrested for blasphemy against Islam on March 5, 2009, and was sent to Evin Prison to serve time for her charges. She spent the next 14 months here along with fellow arrestee Maryam Rostampour. She was given a pardon in May of 2010, and soon after left the country to escape further persecution.