Christian woman jailed for supporting Pastor Saeed Abedini's ministry in Iran goes on hunger strike

Maryam (Nasim) Naghash Zargaran, who is serving jail time in Iran's Evin prison for her Christian faith, has started her hunger strike on May 25 in protest of the authorities' refusal to grant her medical treatment.

"Maryam hasn't left her bed in four days," a family member informed Mohabat News. "She is burning with fever and has been on hunger strike to raise her protest against prison authorities' indifference toward her health, her request for temporary release or leave which every prisoner is entitled to."

Zargaran has also refused to see any visitors since she started her protest, an act which has been imitated by her inmates as a sign of support.

According to Middle East Concern, the hunger strike included Zargaran's refusal to take in not just solids but also liquids and serum. The 36-year-old's long-standing health problems include a history of heart concerns and only recently pain in her ears as well as severe headaches.

"She is suffering from serious health issues," continued the family member. "Before going on hunger strike she had lost 25 kg and her health issues had intensified. Authorities do not show the slightest concern over Maryam's health. In addition, she is suffering from depression and takes depression medications for it."

They also worry that Zargaran may lead to comma.

Back in April, Pastor Saeed Abedini took to Facebook to call back attention to members of the Saeed Ministries who have been left behind in Evin prison almost three years ago. Abedini himself was imprisoned in Evin and was only set free after a prison exchange in January. Abedini said that although Zargaran has been sentenced to four years in prison, she was able to escape to Turkey but later decided to return and serve her sentence. She told Abedini that she "couldn't live in freedom" while fully aware that her pastor was in chains.

Zargaran was the first underground female leader in their ministry, according to Abedini. He also said that she helped him build churches before he even became a pastor and counted her as the first woman to become Christian after his own sisters.

"This woman never gave up or chose fear and doubt. She always stayed beside us in Saeed Ministries until prison broke apart our ministry," wrote Abedini.