3/20/2025 Iran (International Christian Concern) — As extreme Christian persecution continues in Iran, three Christian converts in the nation received a combined total of nearly 42 years in prison on March 8 for practicing their faith.
Narges Nasri, who is currently pregnant, Mehran Shamloui, and Abbas Soori were arrested in early November 2024 when authorities raided their homes in Tehran. All three converts were members of house churches.
According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), Nasri was sentenced to 16 years in prison for “‘propaganda activity contrary to Islamic law’ due to her alleged ‘influential connections abroad,’… membership in anti-regime groups … [and] propaganda against the regime.” Nasri was also fined and given “15 years of social rights deprivation.”
Shamloui was sentenced to 10 years and 8 months in jail for “propaganda activities contrary to Islamic law,” and “membership in groups opposing the state.” The man will also be subjected to “15 years of social deprivation, and a fine of 250 million tomans (about $4,120).”
HRANA reports that Soori received a 15-year prison sentence for “propaganda activities contrary to Islamic law,” and “membership in groups opposing the state.” Additionally, Soori must endure “15 years of social deprivation, a fine of 330 million tomans (about $6,500), [and] additional penalties, including a travel ban, a ban on residing in Tehran and neighboring provinces, and a ban on membership in social groups for two years.”
Christians, especially those who convert from Islam, are often targeted for persecution and mistreatment in Iran. Moreover, attempting to evangelize about Christianity is prohibited and publicly elevating Jesus Christ over Islamic beliefs about God could get an individual a prison or a death sentence.
According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Iran passed legislation in 2021 that would allow authorities to target religious minorities with prison time in the nation. The law penalizes anyone “engaging in propaganda that educates in a deviant way contrary to the holy religion of Islam.”
Iran continues to be one of the most egregious offenders of human rights in the world. The nation remains on the U.S. State Department’s Countries of Particular Concern list due to its harsh abuses of religious freedom.
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