Five Iranian Christians have been sentenced to an average of ten years in prison each for practising their faith, including prayer, baptism and distributing Bibles, according to religious freedom watchdog Article 18.
Although the verdict was issued by Tehran’s Revolutionary Court on 21st October, the defendants were not informed of their sentences until late November and early December. They have been given 20 days to appeal the ruling.
Those convicted include Pastor Joseph Shahbazian and Nasser Navard Gol-Tapeh, who have both previously served prison sentences for involvement in Iran’s house church movement. Shahbazian’s wife, Lida, Aida Najaflou, and a third woman whose identity has not been made public were also sentenced.
The group was convicted on charges of “propaganda” and “gathering and collusion” against the Islamic Republic. Article 18 said the charges relate solely to ordinary Christian activities, such as sharing their beliefs and providing access to Christian literature.
Article 18 Director Mansour Borji said the case highlights the continued persecution of Christians in Iran. He said the defendants were punished “for no other reason than their ordinary Christian activities,” including their desire to share the Christian faith with others.
Each of the Christians, except Lida, received a minimum sentence of ten years. Najaflou and Gol-Tapeh were issued bail amounts equivalent to around $130,000 and $250,000 respectively, believed to be the highest bail sums ever demanded of Iranian Christians. Shahbazian was not given an official bail amount.
Najaflou, 44, has experienced serious health complications during her detention. She suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and underwent spinal surgery shortly before her arrest. On 31 October, she fell from her bunk bed in Tehran’s Evin Prison, fracturing her spine. Despite being taken to hospital, she was returned to prison the same day without receiving full treatment. She was hospitalised again on 16 November after her surgical wounds became infected.
Her lawyer posted on X on 7th December, pleading for urgent intervention. “Today, I shed tears for my aggrieved client Aida Najaflou,” he wrote, warning she is at risk of severe spinal injury if proper care is not provided.
Iran is ranked 9th on the Open Doors World Watch List which highlights the world’s most dangerous countries for Christians.