Three Iranian Christians have each had their prison sentences reduced to three years after being convicted of "engaging in propaganda against the Islamic regime".

Amin Khaki, Milad Goudarzi and Alireza Nourmohammadi all appealed to have their convictions overturned, but this was rejected in a decision handed down on 26 August. 

They are now exploring options for a further appeal.

The three men, who hail from the Church of Iran denomination were sentenced to five years in prison on 26 June. Previously, they had stood trial in Karaj on 21 June on charges of “sectarian activities” under a new amendment to the Iranian Penal Code.

CSW’s Founder President Mervyn Thomas said: “While we welcome the reduction in the length of the sentences handed to Amin Khaki, Milad Goudarzi and Alireza Nouromohammadi, we remain deeply concerned by the lack of due process in these cases.

"CSW believes that the charges against these men are without basis, and we continue to call for their immediate and unconditional release. We urge Iran to ensure due process, judicial independence, and to cease equating peaceful adherence to minority faiths with threats to national security.

"We also urge Iran to ensure freedom of religion or belief for all citizens, and to end discrimination, harassment, and even persecution of religious minorities.”