Tehran Court of Appeals upholds conviction of three Christian citizens

Tehran's Court of Appeals upheld the conviction of three Christian citizens for their beliefs.

"Abbas Souri", "Mehran Shamloui" and "Narges Nasri", Christian citizens, were arrested in November 1403 by security forces who raided their homes. While searching their homes, the officers confiscated their holy books, crosses and musical instruments. The three citizens were initially transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison and after intensive interrogations over a month, they were released after posting hefty bails worth billions.

In March 1403, Judge Iman Afshari, head of Branch 26 of Tehran's Revolutionary Court, issued prison sentences for these three citizens under Articles 499, 500, and repeatedly 500 of the Islamic Penal Code. (He is known for issuing harsh sentences against Christians.)

Now, reports published today, April 28, equivalent to May 8, indicate that last week, May 3, 1404, the prison sentences of Abbas Suri, Mehran Shamloui, and Narges Nasri were confirmed by Branch 36 of the Tehran Provincial Court of Appeal. They have been sentenced to a total of 41 years and eight months in prison, 41 years of deprivation of social rights, and a fine of 910 million Tomans.

The verdict issued against them separately is as follows:

Narges Nasri has been sentenced to 16 years in prison on charges of “propaganda against the regime.” In addition to this charge, she has also been found guilty of publishing content on Instagram, including the slogan “Women, Life, Freedom,” and charges of “propaganda contrary to Islamic law” and “membership in opposition groups in the country.” The sentences issued against her include 10 years in prison, an additional 5 years in prison, 15 years of deprivation of social rights, a 330 million Toman fine, and a two-year restriction on residence and exit from the country. It should be noted that the prison sentence was issued to Narges Nasri while she is currently pregnant.

Issuing a 15-year prison sentence against Abbas Souri on the same charges as Narges Nasri, which consists of 10 years of penal servitude, 5 additional years of imprisonment, 15 years of deprivation of social rights, a 330 million Tomans fine, and restrictions on residence and leaving the country for two years.

Issuing a sentence of 10 years and 8 months in prison against Mehran Shamloui, which includes 8 years of penal servitude, two years and eight months of additional imprisonment, 15 years of deprivation of social rights, and a fine of 250 million Tomans.

The sentences against them are unjust, including issuing additional prison sentences without sufficient reason and evidence, while in recent months there have been many reports of increased pressure on Christians. David Smith, the British Special Representative for Freedom of Religion or Belief, also said on May 23, at the ceremony of presenting the annual report of four Christian organizations on the situation of Christians in Iran in the British Parliament: "Few countries in the world enjoy less religious freedom than Iran."

In addition to issuing harsh sentences against Christians, the Islamic Republic in many cases also denies Christian citizens imprisoned in prison access to specialized medical services or medical leave. In addition, there are many other citizens who have been issued harsh prison sentences that remain secret and have not even been reported.