Christian citizen Morteza Faghanpour Sasi sentenced to more than eight years in prison
The sentence of nearly 9 years in prison for "Morteza Faqan-Poursasi" shows that the Islamic Republic has intensified its repression of Christian citizens, instead of adhering to the International Covenant on Freedom of Religion.
Morteza (Calvin) Faghanpoursasi, a Christian citizen living in Varamin, was sentenced to eight years and eleven months in prison by the city's Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Ashkan Ramesh. He was charged with "deviant propaganda activity with foreign connections" and "insulting the leadership."
A source close to his family said: "Cases such as distributing Christian books, participating in virtual theology classes abroad, and publishing a caricature of the Leader of the Islamic Republic have been raised as examples of crimes against him."
Another case against him, charged with "insulting sacred places," has also been opened in the Varamin Criminal Court and is scheduled to be heard on October 5.
After his arrest, Faqanpour was repeatedly interrogated in Evin Prison for months and remained in detention for four months before being temporarily released. Earlier, Hesameddin (Yahya) Mohammad Junaidi, another Christian citizen living in Varamin, was sentenced to more than eight years in prison.
This new ruling once again reveals the true face of the Islamic Republic towards religious minorities. Iran is a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which explicitly emphasizes freedom of belief, the right to change religion, and protection of religious minorities in Articles 18 and 27.
But the harsh reality is that instead of honoring these commitments, the Islamic Republic has continued to systematically violate religious freedom for years by arresting, imprisoning, and depriving Christian citizens. Even completely peaceful actions such as owning a Bible, attending religious classes, or worshipping at home are met with security labels and serious charges.
The heavy conviction of Morteza Faghanpour Sasi and Yahya Mohammad Junaidi shows that Iran is not only not adhering to its international promises, but is also using the judicial structure as a tool to intimidate and suppress Christian minorities.
