Marziyeh Amirizadeh - or Marzi - is an Iranian immigrant who was born just a few months before the 1979 Iranian Revolution toppled the Shah of Iran and swept a radical Islamic regime into power. More than twenty years ago through the grace of God, Marzi became a Christian despite growing up under the authoritarian, socialistic, Islamic regime where children were indoctrinated by the government.

After becoming a Christian, Marzi shared her Christian faith with fellow Iranians by distributing thousands of bibles and by participating in the underground Iranian church. In 2009, she was arrested in Tehran for promoting Christianity and was thrown into the notorious Evin prison - one of the most brutal prisons in the world.

While incarcerated, Marzi endured months of mental and physical hardships, including intense interrogation. She was sentenced to death by hanging simply for being a Christian.

Finally, under pressure from human rights and Christian organizations, the Iranian government released Marzi, and she emigrated to the United States where she became an American citizen. Marzi moved to Atlanta and enrolled at Georgia Tech University where she later earned her a Bachelor and Master of Science degree in International Affairs.

Marzi is a published author, public speaker, activist for religious freedom, and a candidate for Georgia House District 67. Her first book, Captive in Iran, which recounts her capture and imprisonment, was published in April 2013.

Marzi has shared her inspiring story in the United States and around the world, in order to bring awareness to people and policy makers about the ongoing human rights violations and persecution of religious minorities in Iran.

Marzi’s primary mission is to warn fellow Americans that freedom must be cultivated and defended. Marzi feels deep gratitude for this country and its people which have given her so much.  She feels a responsibility to stand up, serve, and encourage her fellow Americans to fight for their values, faith, and freedom.

Marzi’s second book, A Love Journey with God, was recently released and is available on Amazon.  A Love Journey with God recounts how Marzi found God, the struggles she experienced as a Christian woman in an Islamic County, and how God can turn any situation into triumph.