Arrest of a Christian Convert in Tabriz

Kiarash Alipour, spokesperson for the 'Article 18 Organization for the Defense of the Rights of Christians in Iran', told Radio Farda that Ali Amini, a Christian convert in Tabriz, was arrested last December and has been in Tabriz Central Prison since then. The 'Article 18 Organization' website reported that 'Ali Amini (nicknamed Philip) was arrested by security agents on December 10 of this year (December 19)'. According to this website, 'agents stormed his workplace, arrested this Christian convert, and confiscated his personal belongings, including his mobile phone and laptop.' Mr. Amini is married and has two young children aged 3 and 1. The 'Article 18 Organization' also reported that Nasser Nord Gol-Tappeh, a member of the Evangelical Church (missionary), was transferred to Evin Prison on January 19 to serve a 10-year prison sentence. He has been accused of 'acting against national security and forming and managing home churches.' In recent months, several Evangelical Christians have been sentenced to long-term imprisonment. In many cases, the charge against these individuals was 'acting against national security by establishing and participating in home churches.' Mansour Borji from Article 18 previously told Radio Farda that these accusations are 'baseless' and reflect the Islamic Republic's security approach towards religious minorities. Mr. Borji also stated that the treatment of Christian converts is politically motivated and contrary to legal standards. The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran expressed concern last July about the long prison sentences for several Christian converts in less than two months, highlighting the persecution of Christians in Iran. Since the victory of the February 1979 Revolution, at least six church leaders have been killed in Iran, and hundreds of Christians have been interrogated and imprisoned. Additionally, the printing of the Bible in Persian has been banned, some churches have been closed, and church ceremonies in Persian have been prevented.