A Christian convert forced into internal exile in Iran for two years has been pardoned.

Zaman Fadaei was arrested along with pastor Yousef Nadarkhani and three other Christian converts in May 2016.

In addition to a sentence of ten years for “acting against national security,” Zaman was also ordered to into exile for two years, at the end of his prison term.

In 2020, the imprisonment was lessened to six years, but the exile order remained. During this time, Zaman was also issued with 80 lashes for drinking communion wine.

However, in February, Zaman and Yousef were pardoned, along with others, by Supreme Leader Khamenei in commemoration of the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

However, when they returned to prison to collect collateral used for their bail – the deeds to their property – their exile was suddenly re-imposed.

They also received 50 lashes as further punishment for “propagating house churches” and “promoting Zionist Christianity”.

On 8 August the prison contacted Saheb to inform him that he could collect the property deeds submitted as bail and 10 August it was confirmed that he will no longer serve the term of internal exile.

It is anticipated that he will be able to collect the bail next week.

At present, Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani’s two-year term of internal exile still stands.