Habib and Sasan were arrested on July 1, 2019, along with other family members in Bushehr in southern Iran.
In June 2020, seven of those arrested were convicted of "propaganda against the state by promoting Christianity" under Article 500 of the Criminal Code. They received different sentences. Sasan and Habib were both sentenced to one year in prison, and Sasan was sentenced to two years of forced relocation. They appealed the verdict, but on January 27, 2021, the Court of Appeal upheld the sentences, according to the Danish European Mission's partner, Middle East Concern.
Habib and Sasan began serving their prison sentence in Bushehr Central Prison on February 8, 2021. In March, they were allowed to return home on temporary leave, which was extended until they were ordered to return to prison on November 11, 2021.
On January 20, Sasan and Habib were released, but Sasan now faces a two-year period in exile from Bushehr. The city of exile will be determined by the court.
Iranian Christians welcome the release of Sasan and Habib and pray for their release:
- Sasan and Habib will enjoy their current freedom with their families.
- The place where Sasan is forcibly relocated to in Iran will be a blessed place for him, and that he will be able to find a home and a job.
- Iranian authorities want to stop the persecution of Christians and other religious communities.
