Uncertain Status of Parvin Ghadyani, Christian Citizen in Kachwi Prison of Karaj

Parvin Ghadyani, a Christian citizen, remains in an uncertain legal status after three months of detention in Kachwi Prison in Karaj.

Parvin Ghadyani was arrested by security forces in mid-December of last year (1403) and, after interrogation at one of Karaj’s security detention centers, was transferred to Kachwi Prison.

Now, after spending three months in Kachwi Prison, she remains in an uncertain legal status. According to a statement from one of Ms. Ghadyani’s relatives, the reason for her arrest is propagating Christianity.

Her arrest occurred despite the fact that in the Islamic Republic’s constitution, Christians are officially recognized as a religious minority. However, Muslims who convert to Christianity are dealt with harshly, subjected to arrest and interrogation, and in most cases face severe sentences including fines, lengthy imprisonment, exile, deprivation of social rights, and other penalties.

According to Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, every person has the right to freedom of religion and to change religion, as well as the freedom to express it individually or collectively, openly or in private—a covenant that Iran has also signed. Nevertheless, Iran continues to intensify suppression, detention, and the imposition of severe sentences against such individuals.