An Iranian Christian convert who was sentenced to two years and six months in prison for his involvement in establishing a house church, has been released.
Amir-Ali Minaei who is 32 was released from Tehran’s Evin Prison on 29th April as part of an annual amnesty.
He had initially been sentenced to three years and seven months in March 2024, charged with ‘propaganda activities against the regime’, but his sentence was later reduced after he chose not to appeal.
Christian persecution watchdog Open Doors said that during his imprisonment, Amir-Ali suffered physical assault by a prison guard and developed a serious heart condition, believed to have been caused by the stress of his detention and ongoing pressure. He also went on a hunger strike in protest against restrictions, including being denied access to a telephone. A request for conditional release in January 2025 was denied due to his refusal to cooperate with authorities.
Open Doors hopes Amir-Ali Minaei’s release will encourage people to keep praying for all those who still face imprisonment, pressure and persecution for their faith.
Earlier this year Christian supporters of regime change in Iran said they were “deeply concerned” about the “alarming” situation of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in the country.
Christian Activists for a Free Iran said conditions in Iranian prisons are extremely worrying, with some prisoners sentenced to death after being imprisoned solely because of their beliefs, peaceful civil activities, or their religious and political views.