IRAN: HARSH prison sentences given to three converts

Please pray – three Iranian Christian converts, including a pregnant woman, have been sentenced to a combined total of over 40 years in prison.

COORDINATED RAIDS 

They were arrested in coordinated raids on their homes in the capital Tehran last autumn and held in Evin Prison. They were later released on bail before facing trial. Their sentencing reflects the ongoing crackdown on Christian converts in Iran.

Narges Nasri (37) – who is pregnant with her first child – has been sentenced to 16 years’ imprisonment. This comprises ten years for ‘propaganda activities contrary to Islamic law’, five years for house church involvement, and one year for social media posts supporting the ‘Women, Life, Freedom’ movement that emerged following the death of a young woman, Mahsa Amina, for ‘improper’ wearing of the hijab.

Abbas Soori (48) has been given a 15-year sentence – ten years for ‘propaganda activities’ and five years for house church involvement.

In addition to their sentences, both Narges and Abbas have been fined, banned from any group membership, and prohibited from residing in Tehran or leaving Iran for two years after her release.

Meanwhile, Mehran Shamloui (37), a musician, has been sentenced to ten years and eight months’ imprisonment. This breaks down to eight years for ‘propaganda activities’ and 32 months for house church membership. His musical instruments, worth around £4,250, were confiscated during his arrest. He’s also been fined.

What is life like for Christians in Iran?

• Christian converts from Islam are most vulnerable to persecution and discrimination. Female converts, often active in house churches, are particularly vulnerable. They risk arrest and harassment during interrogations.
• If arrested, Christian converts are treated worse than other prison inmates, denied exercise and phone calls, and subjected to torture and extended interrogation. Lengthy imprisonments put immense strain on families, sometimes leading to divorce and trauma for children.

Please pray using the points below…

Source: Article18