IRAN — A Middle East media ministry is giving embattled Iranian women a voice after government officials shut down the nation’s internet amid mass protests that have turned deadly.

SAT-7 — a multimedia Christian broadcaster — has seen its WhatsApp and Instagram services disrupted by the digital media blackout, but live satellite television broadcasts are still getting through.

Its live Farsi-language programs are bringing encouragement and hope to the nation rocked by the recent death of a young woman held by Iran’s morality police. Mahsa Amini, 22, allegedly was beaten to death for reportedly not properly wearing her hijab, a traditional headscarf.

When Iranian woman Mahsa Amini, was allegedly beaten to death for reportedly not properly wearing her hijab, a traditional headscarf, it provoked protests across the country as well as around the world.

In response Middle East media ministry SAT 7 is giving embattled Iranian women a voice. Their live Farsi-language programs are bringing encouragement and hope to the nation rocked by this attack.

One of their producers and presenters is Sally Momtazi:

I have seen how people’s lives have been transformed by informing them about their rights. We are bringing experts from outside and inside of Iran. This knowledge of human rights empowers people to make their decisions for themselves, for their children and also for their society. So we are asking viewers to share their issues, we can then pray for them.

And despite seeing its WhatsApp and Instagram services disrupted by a digital media blackout in Iran SAT-7 continues to broadcast live via satellite into homes and is attempting to connect with social media users in the country to “provide support, communicate hope in the transformative power of the Gospel, give women a voice, and let them know they’re not alone.

About SAT-7

Launched in 1996, SAT-7 (www.sat7uk.org) — with its international headquarters in Cyprus — broadcasts Christian and educational satellite television programs to more than 30 million people in the Middle East and North Africa. Its mission is to make the gospel available to everyone and support the church in its life, work, and witness for Jesus Christ. SAT-7 broadcasts 24/7 in Arabic, Farsi (Persian), and Turkish, using multiple satellite channels and online services.

CONTACT: Matti Stevenson, 719-360-0586, mstevenson@inchristcommunications.com

Read more news on Faith Based Organizations, Broadcast Ministry, and Violence Against Women.