The International Human Rights Campaign in Iran expressed concern over the persecution of Christians in the country, noting the lengthy prison sentences handed down to several Christian converts in less than two months. The campaign emphasized that the Iranian Constitution recognizes Christians as an official minority, yet the Islamic Republic continues to pursue legal action against adherents of this faith, particularly converts. In the past two months, 11 Christian converts and one Assyrian priest in Iran have been sentenced to a total of 125 years in prison. Judge Mashallah Ahmadzadeh, head of Branch 26 of the Islamic Revolutionary Court, sentenced Youssef Naderkhani, Mohammad Reza Omidi, Mohammad Ali Masebzadeh, and Zaman Fadaei to 10 years in prison each on July 3, accusing them of 'forming a house church' and promoting what has been termed 'Zionist Christianity.' In the last month, eight other Christians and Christian converts have also been sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison on similar charges in the same court. Last month, Pastor Victor Bet-Tamraz, Hadi Asgari, and Fallah Mohammadi were each sentenced to 10 years in prison, while Amin Afshar Naderi, another Christian convert, received a 15-year sentence. The charges against these individuals included 'actions against national security and forming and managing house groups.' Nasser Nord Gol-Tappeh, another Christian convert, along with three Azerbaijani Christians, was similarly sentenced to 10 years in prison each. Mansour Borji, spokesperson for the 'Article 18 Organization for the Defense of Christians' rights in Iran,' described these charges as 'unfounded' and indicative of the Islamic Republic's security-oriented approach towards religious minorities in an interview with Radio Farda on July 22. He emphasized that the charges against some of these individuals changed during the investigation process and that no evidence has been presented regarding their accusations. Borji also stated that the crackdown on Christian converts is politically motivated and contrary to legal standards.
International Human Rights Campaign Expresses Concern Over Persecution of Christians in Iran
The International Human Rights Campaign has raised alarms over the ongoing persecution of Christians in Iran, highlighting recent lengthy prison sentences for converts. Despite constitutional recognition as a minority, the Iranian government continues to target Christians, particularly converts, with severe legal repercussions. This situation underscores the broader issue of religious freedom and human rights in Iran.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The International Human Rights Campaign has reported that Iran has sentenced several Christian converts to lengthy prison terms, despite constitutional protections for religious minorities. The sentences are seen as part of a broader crackdown on religious freedom in the country.
- 11 Christian converts and one Assyrian priest were sentenced to a total of 125 years in prison.
- Charges include 'forming a house church' and 'actions against national security.'
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran's constitution recognizes Christians as an official minority, but converts often face persecution due to the state's security concerns and religious policies.
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