He lost his appeal in November 2017. In January 2018, Nasser once again returned to Evin Prison, this time to begin serving his 10-year prison sentence.
The first few months of a prison sentence is crucial for Iranian Christians, especially for those who are sent to a prison with a reputation as notorious as Evin. Dr. Shariat elaborated, “Usually, the first month or two, there is torture to get all the information they can from the prisoner. If the prisoner dies under torture, they claim that he committed suicide. Plus, when one is arrested, other brothers and sisters (may) cut relationship from him and his family because of the security risks. So the person and his family feels abandoned and lonely.”
Dr. Mike Ansari from Heart4Iran, an Iranian Christian partnership platform, added, “Most of the arrested individuals are coerced to divulge information about their house-church activities and those of their friends, under threat of criminal prosecution or arrest of family members… Therefore, the case of every arrested Iranian believer is of utmost importance.”
Given this backdrop, it is worrying that just five months after his incarceration, reports are circulating that Nasser’s health has taken a downward turn. According to Article 18, “(He) has many problems in the oral and dental area, which should be treated as soon as possible. But authorities in Evin Prison, despite the heavy pain… and physical condition of this Christian, have so far refused to provide adequate medical care.”
In a statement provided to Article 18 by one of Nasser’s close relatives, there is grave concern that Nasser will completely lose his teeth if medical care continues to be denied. While it is unclear what prompted Nasser’s decline in health, it is well-documented that the denial of medical care is a tactic commonly used by Iranian authorities to further oppress prisoners of conscience.
“Everyone should be entitled to basic human rights,” added Dr. Ansari. “The human toll on the imprisoned cannot be ignored as many of them will suffer irreversible psychological and emotional trauma for the rest of their lives.”
As Nasser continues to suffer in prison because of his faith, he and his family are in great need of prayers for healing and safety. “Pray for the judges to have mercy and compassion on him,” said Dr. Shariat. “Also pray that God’s grace will sustain him and he will experience the presence of the Lord in a deep and personal way.”
Dr. Ansari also “ask[s] everyone to please pray for wisdom, anointing, God’s favor and protection over those who have found peace with and in Jesus and have embraced Him as their Savior. We also pray for God to soften the heart of the leaders of Iran.”
For interviews with Claire Evans, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org