Concern Over the Health of Maryam Naqash Zargar, Imprisoned Christian

Mansour Borji, spokesperson for the 'Article 18 Committee' affiliated with the 'Council of Iranian Churches in Unity' in London, expressed serious concern about the physical condition of Maryam (Nasim) Naqash Zargar, a Christian convert who is currently imprisoned in Evin Prison, in an interview with Radio Farda. According to the Mohabat News website, which covers news related to Christians in Iran, Ms. Naqash Zargar has been on a hunger strike for four days in protest against the lack of medical attention for her illnesses, the status of her case, the denial of conditional release, and opposition to granting her leave from prison. The site reports that this Christian convert underwent heart surgery nearly nine years ago due to an ASD heart condition and urgently requires special and continuous medical care. According to some reports, Maryam Naqash Zargar was first arrested in early winter 2012 for 'acting against national security.' She was summoned to the security police on January 7, 2013, and after her visit, she was held in temporary detention for three days in the Ministerial Building. After interrogation, she was transferred to Evin Prison, and after going through the investigation process, her case was sentenced to four years in prison for 'propaganda activities against the Islamic Republic and conspiracy against national security.' Numerous reports from the United Nations and non-governmental organizations advocating for human rights and media freedom worldwide indicate that the Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently been among the most repressive governments in the world against the press, journalists, political activists, intellectuals, dissenters, religious minorities, and civil and social institutions. Since the 1979 Revolution, several church leaders in Iran have been killed, and hundreds of Christians have been interrogated and imprisoned. Printing the Bible in Persian has been banned, and some churches have been closed, with restrictions imposed on church ceremonies.