ICC Note:  Middle East Concern (MEC) has pointed out that the prison sentences of imprisoned Iranian Christians have lengthened. MEC also specifically highlighted that the cases of three imprisoned Christians are unusual because their faith was spelled out in the charges. Usually, these charges are more veiled under language that accuses Christians of acting against national security.    

05/04/2018 Iran (Mission Network News) –   It is common in Iran for Christians to go to prison for their faith. However, it seems that the stakes have been rising for those following Jesus.

Miles Windsor of Middle East Concern says it can be very challenging to be a Christian in Iran. “That notwithstanding, it’s a place where we see the Church growing and developing and Christians being, really, very bold with their faith in the spread of the Gospel. So there are reasons for encouragement there as well.”

Windsor shares the case of Assyrian pastor, Victor Bet Tamraz, who he says has been a target of harassment for many years now. Tamraz was arrested, along with several other Christians, including Amin Naderi Afshari, at a Christmas celebration on December 26, 2014.

Originally, they were released on bail.  However, Amin was rearrested two years later at a picnic along with Hadi Asgari and several others. They were then held in Evin Prison in Tehran, a prison notorious for its poor conditions. Amin was finally released on bail last July, and Hadi was likewise released this past April. However, it seems their troubles are far from over.

“There was a hearing on the 11th of June last year. And a judge called Ahmadpour issued his verdict in July, sentencing Pastor Victor and Hadi Asgari to ten years imprisonment and Amin Naderi to 15 years imprisonment for conducting evangelism and illegal house church activity. So, these are charges which are entirely directed at their Christian faith.”

He explains that usually, this type of persecution against Christians is veiled under charges like “undermining national security”. Initially, terminology was used like this in the case against Pastor Victor, Hadi, and Amin. But now, the fact that this is about their Christian faith has been spelled out in the charges.

And if this case is any indication, Christians could be facing longer prison sentences in the future.

“Whilst Christians have consistently been put in prison for their faith in Iran in considerable numbers, the length of the sentence has seemed to have increased in the recent year or so,” Windsor says.

Before this, Christians could typically expect to serve 18 months to five years in prison.

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For interviews with Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected].