Iran: Christian converts summoned to serve prison sentences

Narges Nasri, Abbas Soori and Mehran Shamloui  were informed on 7 May that their appeal was rejected and they had five days to turn themselves in to Evin Prison to start serving their combined  prison sentences of more than 40 years.

In November 2024, security forces conducted a series of coordinated raids on the homes of Christians in several cities across the country. Narges, Abbas and Mehran were among at least 13 arrested as part of this campaign to suppress Farsi-speaking Christians.

Narges, Abbas and Mehran appeared before judge Iman Afshari at Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran on 15 February to face charges of “membership of opposition groups,” “propaganda against the system” and “propaganda activities contrary to Islamic law through foreign relations.”

Narges (37) – pregnant with her first child – was sentenced to 10 years for “propaganda activities contrary to Islamic law,” five for membership of an “opposition group” (house-church) and an additional one year for “propaganda against the state” – for having posted on social media in support of the Women, Life, Freedom movement.

Abbas (48) was sentenced to 10 years for “propaganda activities” and five for membership of an “opposition group.”

Mehran (37) received an eight-year sentence for “propaganda activities” and two years and eight months for membership of an “opposition group.”

They were also sentenced to deprivation of social rights and fined – Narges and Abbas 330 million tomans ($3,500) each, and Mehran 250 million ($2,750). Narges and Abbas were also banned from membership of any group, residing in their home province of Tehran or leaving Iran for two years after their release.

While their appeal was pending, they were granted temporary release on bail of more than $20,000 each. The severity of the sentences is likely to lead them to flee Iran and forfeit the amounts deposited as bail.