Christians in Iran were handed over 250 years’ worth of prison sentences in 2024.

This is a sharp escalation from 43.5 years in 2023, according to a new annual report titled The Tip of the Iceberg.

The report, compiled in partnership with Open Doors, CSW and Middle East Concern, warned that these figures only scratch the surface of a far wider crackdown.

In total, 96 Christians received harsh sentences last year.

“The huge uptick in arrests in the second half of 2023, which required judicial processing", contributed significantly to this surge, the report explained.

It also showed that several individuals were sentenced to ten or fifteen years each, punishments linked solely to their faith or religious activities.

A deeper analysis of the leaked files uncovers how Iran’s judiciary systematically criminalises Christian belief.

“The Bible is treated as contraband and evidence of a crime,” the report states. 

Christians face charges for ordinary practices such as worship, singing hymns, or sharing faith, labelled as acts of security threats.

The crackdown has extended beyond courtrooms. Christians have been targeted in at least five cities in the latter half of 2024.

Arrests were executed by IRGC intelligence agents invoking a penal code amendment that allows up to 10 years’ imprisonment for receiving international support.

“The Iranian government seems to have intensified its efforts to isolate and financially undermine the Christian community," the report warned.