Conviction of Three Christian Citizens Upheld by Tehran Court of Appeals

The Tehran Court of Appeals upheld the conviction of three Christian citizens based on their faith.

“Abbas Suri,” “Mehran Shamlou,” and “Narges Nasri,” Christian citizens, were arrested in November 1403 by security forces who raided their homes. Officers conducted searches of their residences and confiscated their holy books, crosses, and musical instruments. The three citizens were initially transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison and after intensive interrogations lasting a month, were released after paying heavy bail in billions of rials.

In March 1404, Judge “Iman Afshari,” head of Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, issued prison sentences for these three citizens under Articles 499, 500, and repeated provisions of Article 500 of the Islamic Penal Code. (He is known for issuing harsh sentences against Christians.)

Reports published today, April 28, corresponding to Ordibehesht 8, indicate that on Ordibehesht 3, 1404, the prison sentences of Abbas Suri, Mehran Shamlou, and Narges Nasri were upheld by Branch 36 of the Tehran Province Court of Appeals. They have been sentenced to a combined 41 years and 8 months imprisonment, 41 years deprivation of social rights, and payment of 910 million tomans in fines.

The sentences issued against them are detailed as follows:

A 16-year prison sentence was issued against Narges Nasri for the charge of “propaganda activity against the system.” In addition to this charge, she was convicted for posting content on Instagram including the slogan “Woman, Life, Freedom” and charged with “propaganda activity contrary to Islamic law” and “membership in opposition groups in the country.” The sentences against her include 10 years imprisonment for discretionary punishment, 5 years additional imprisonment, 15 years deprivation of social rights, 330 million tomans in fines, and restriction on residence and departure from the country for two years. It is worth noting that the prison sentence was issued for Narges Nasri while she is currently pregnant.

A 15-year prison sentence was issued against Abbas Suri with charges similar to those against Narges Nasri, which is comprised of 10 years imprisonment for discretionary punishment, 5 years additional imprisonment, 15 years deprivation of social rights, 330 million tomans in fines, and restriction on residence and departure from the country for two years.

A sentence of 10 years and 8 months imprisonment was issued against Mehran Shamlou, comprised of 8 years imprisonment for discretionary punishment, 2 years and 8 months additional imprisonment, 15 years deprivation of social rights, and 250 million tomans in fines.

The sentences issued against them are unjust, particularly with the imposition of additional prison sentences without sufficient evidence and documentation, at a time when numerous reports in recent months document increased pressure on Christians. “David Smith,” Britain’s Special Representative for Freedom of Religion and Belief, also stated on Ordibehesht 3 during the presentation of the annual report by four Christian organizations regarding the condition of Christians in Iran at the British Parliament: “Few countries in the world enjoy less religious freedom than Iran.”

The Islamic Republic, in addition to issuing harsh sentences against Christians, in many cases deprives imprisoned Christian citizens of access to specialized medical services or medical leave. Furthermore, there are many other citizens who have received harsh prison sentences that remain undisclosed and have not even been reported.