Release of Amir Ali Minai from Evin Prison; A Account of Pressure, Illness, and Medical Deprivation
Amir Ali Minai (Stephen), a Christian citizen, was finally released from Evin Prison after enduring over a year of imprisonment under conditions marked by physical ailments and medical care restrictions, through a “conditional pardon.”
Amir Ali Minai (Stephen), a Christian citizen, was released from Evin Prison on Wednesday, the 9th of Ordibehesht, after completing his sentence. His release occurred after he had spent his imprisonment period in this prison since Ordibehesht 1403. The charge against him was stated as “propagandistic activities through the establishment of a home church.”
According to published information, the conviction ruling for this citizen was issued in Esfand 1402 by Judge “Iman Afshari” at the Revolutionary Court. In this ruling, he was sentenced to three years and seven months of prison and five years of deprivation from social rights after the completion of his sentence. However, following his submission to the verdict, the punishment was reduced to two years, five months, and 28 days.
Amir Ali Minai’s initial arrest dates back to Azar 1401, when he spent over two months in Ward 209 of Evin Prison, which is overseen by the Ministry of Intelligence. During this period, he was subjected to intensive interrogations and was eventually temporarily released after posting bail of approximately 10,000 dollars.
Reports indicate that psychological pressures resulting from the initial arrest and repeated threats of return to prison, during the period between temporary release and the issuance of the verdict, led to heart problems for this Christian citizen. Despite these circumstances, during his imprisonment, his requests for specialized medical services faced opposition.
In one instance, while following up on his medical condition, it is reported that he was beaten by a prison officer, which worsened his physical condition. Additionally, restrictions on phone contact and insufficient access to medical services created difficult conditions for him.
In protest of this situation, Amir Ali Minai went on a hunger strike in Farvardin 1404. This strike ended after two days and following the agreement of prison authorities to provide limited access to medical services and establish telephone contact. Previously, in Dey 1404, his request for conditional release was rejected due to “refusal to cooperate with Ministry of Intelligence officers.”
Finally, the release of this Christian citizen was achieved through the inclusion of his name in the list of recipients of a “conditional pardon,” a form of forgiveness that is granted on special occasions to certain qualified convicts.
The case of Amir Ali Minai has once again drawn attention to the situation of Christian citizens in Iran, particularly regarding access to basic rights, medical services, and fair judicial proceedings.
