Christian Convert in Karaj Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

The Islamic Revolutionary Court has sentenced a Christian convert named Tomaj Aryankia to 10 years in prison and two years of prohibition from social activities. According to the Mohabat News website, which follows events related to Christian citizens in Iran, Tomaj Aryankia was convicted by the third branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Court in Karaj, presided over by Mostafa Narimani, on charges of 'collaborating with hostile governments and membership in anti-regime groups.' Iranian intelligence and judicial officials have repeatedly condemned citizens, including religious minorities, with baseless accusations such as collaborating with what they call 'hostile' governments. In the political discourse of the Islamic Republic, 'hostile' governments usually refer to Western countries, the United States, and Israel. Although Mr. Aryankia requested a retrial after receiving the court's verdict, the judge rejected his request. Consequently, this Christian citizen has appealed for a review. According to the report, Tomaj Aryankia was arrested on October 24, 2022, during a search of his home by Iranian intelligence agents, and some of his belongings, including his 'Holy Bible,' were confiscated. He was temporarily released from prison after posting a bail of five billion tomans. The report also states that Tomaj Aryankia is a member of the 'Christian Freedom Party, AMA' and the 'Pan-Iranist Party' and has previously been questioned by government forces due to his activities. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has previously expressed concern over the increasing pressure on religious minorities in Iran, stating that about 200 Iranians are imprisoned for religious or ideological reasons in the Islamic Republic's prisons. The UN fact-finding committee announced on March 9 of last year that 'human rights violations' in Iran particularly affect women, children, and ethnic and religious minorities. According to the 'Article 18' organization, which advocates for Christian rights, the number of detained Christians in Iran in 2023 has increased from 134 to 166 compared to the previous year. This nonprofit organization reported that 22 Christians residing in Iran in 2023 faced judicial sentences for charges such as 'propaganda against the regime' and 'actions against national security,' with 21 of them being imprisoned. 'Article 18' added that despite the recognition of three religious minorities—Zoroastrians, Jews, and Christians—in the Iranian Constitution, Christian converts are not recognized and are deprived of many civil rights in Iran. Mojdeh Fallahi, a Christian convert, was arrested by intelligence agents in Shiraz. Sentences of 160 years in prison and flogging have been issued for 34 religious and ethnic minority activists in the past six months. Sentences have been issued for five Christian converts by the Revolutionary Court in Ahvaz. Yasin Mousavi, a Christian convert, was sentenced to fifteen years in prison for 'promoting Christianity.' Laleh Saati, a Christian convert, was sentenced to two years in prison.