According to a report released on Feb. 19 titled “Scapegoats: Rights Violations Against Christians in Iran,” Christians in Iran cumulatively received a total of more than 280 years in prison for their faith in 2025.

The findings, compiled by Middle East Concern (MEC), Open Doors, Article 18, and Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), reveal an astonishing increase in the targeted persecution of Christ followers in the nation.

One key point in the data shows the harshness with which Iranian courts are dealing with Christians. Despite fewer Christians being sentenced to prison in 2025 than in 2024, the sentences were more severe.

Per the data, 73 Christians received prison terms in 2025 compared to 96 Christians in 2024, yet the 73 Christians’ jail terms added up to longer sentences. In 2024, the cumulative prison sentence was 263 years for 96 Christians. And in 2025, that total was 280 years for 73 Christians, “conveying a trend towards harsher sentences,” according to MEC.

Additionally, of the 73 Christians who received prison terms, at least 11 received sentences carrying a minimum of 10 years. Many of the Christ followers received additional penalties, including being excluded from social programs, such as employment, education, and health services.

Aida Najaflou, a Christian convert, is among those who received a particularly harsh sentence in 2025. According to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Najaflou was arrested in February 2025 “for evangelism, prayer, and celebrating Christmas.” She was charged with “propaganda against the regime” and “acting against national security,” for which she received a 17-year prison sentence.

While imprisoned, Najaflou was reportedly subjected to improper medical care after sustaining a T12 spinal fracture due to a fall from her top bunk sleeping quarters. Najaflou was taken to a nearby hospital; however, authorities refused her a proper hospital stay and returned her to the prison on a stretcher, reportedly in agonizing pain. Prison officials eventually allowed a necessary surgery to take place for Najaflou after an uproar in the prison took place regarding her treatment.

Church in Chains reported in November 2025 that Najaflou “underwent spinal surgery … and spent a week at Shahid Tajrish Hospital before being transferred back to prison.” Her enforced return to jail came “despite doctors saying she needed a long recovery period, including specialised care and regular physiotherapy.”

Najaflou’s case of mistreatment is one of many. According to the “Scapegoats” report, “a concerning trend in 2025 was the frequency of reports regarding the mistreatment of Christian prisoners, including denial of healthcare, psychological torture, and even physical abuse.”

Story by Lynn Arias