On June 26, Amin Khaki, Milad Goudarzi and Alireza Nourmohammadi were informed that they had each received the maximum prison sentence for "propaganda that educates in a deviant manner contrary to the holy religion of Islam" and fined 40 million tomans (approximately 10,000 DKK). This is according to the Danish European Mission's partner Middle East Concern.
The three men have twenty days to appeal the verdict.
The sentence is based on the recently amended Article 500 of the Penal Code, which states that those found guilty "will be severely punished." The law allows for prison sentences of between two and five years; deprivation of civil rights, such as the right to vote, for up to 15 years and heavy fines.
On November 11, 2020, Iranian intelligence agents raided the homes of Amin, Milad and Alireza and several other converts. They confiscated Bibles, cell phones and computers. No one was arrested at the time, but the converts continued to be harassed and were ordered to refrain from Christian activities (they all refused to comply).
During the hearing on June 21, Judge Mehdi Zeinali prevented the defendants' lawyer from attending the trial, claiming that he had not been registered as their lawyer. The defendants had to represent themselves in a hearing that lasted less than an hour.
Iranian Christians ask for prayers to:
- God will strengthen and encourage Amin, Milad and Alireza as they face these unjust judgments and give them and their families the "peace that passes all understanding."
- Amin, Milad and Alireza will be able to appeal the verdict against them and be acquitted.
- Iranian authorities will stop violating international law by persecuting religious minorities who peacefully practice their faith.
