Until March 2009, Maryam and Marzieh were two friends who shared an apartment in Tehran, Iran. Now they share a crowded prison cell, infested with filth and disease. And they might not make it out alive.

What’s their story?

Maryam Rustampoor, 27, and Marzieh Amirizadeh Esmaeilabad, 30, grew up in Iran. They’ve been Christians for about eight years. They were both studying English and one was a hairdresser, to help pay for school. They have lots of friends. They love their families. They love life.

And now they’ve been thrown in jail because they publicly professed to love Jesus.

On March 5, 2009 one was summoned to the local police department for a standard automobile check-up. Never suspecting arrest, as she hadn’t violated any Iranian laws, she showed up with her car at the appointed time.

When she arrived, without explanation, authorities took her back to the apartment she shared with her friend. After searching through the women’s home, they confiscated many of their belongings, including their computers and Bibles. And then Maryam and Marzieh were hand-cuffed and arrested. They discovered that they had been deemed “anti-government” and “a threat to national security.”

Before being transported to the notorious Evin prison in Iran on March 18, the women were held in solitary confinement. They were frequently blindfolded and interrogated.

Authorities stated that they could be released on $400,000 (US) bail. Their families have tried everything to buy their freedom, going so far as to offer the title deeds to their homes for money. So far, they can’t find a judge who will review their case.

The women waited five months in prison without a clear charge against them. During their trial on August 9, it became evident that the sole claim filed is “apostasy” (departure from Islam).

After much questioning from the stand, the deputy prosecutor ordered them to recant their Christian faith. Maryam and Marzieh refused.

The judge told them that would be executed as apostates. Maryam and Marzieh reportedly told the judge to expedite his sentence.

After the trial, they were sent back to prison. They now wait every day for their verdict.

Although the freedom of religion is explicitly enshrined within the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Iranian government refuses to grant liberty to these women. In fact,  officials are currently attempting to pass an amendment into Iranian law that would prescribe the death penalty for apostates.

Yet Maryam and Marzieh might not live long enough to receive a death sentence.

They are in dire need of medical attention. One recently told her mother over the phone that she is dying. They are suffering from untreated infections, severe headaches , high fevers and spinal pain.

What can you do for Maryam and Marzieh?

You can make a difference. You can pray. You can give. You can share their story.

You can free them.