On June 30, 2020, a gathering of around 30 Christians in a private home in Tehran was attacked by security agents. Among those arrested were Iranian-Armenian pastor Joseph Shahbazian and converts Mina Khajavi, Malihe Nazari, Somayeh (Sonya) Sadegh and Sonya's mother, Masoumeh Ghasemi. This is according to Danish European Mission's partner Middle East Concern.
On 7 June 2022, they were convicted by the judge, Iman Afshari, for "forming and running illegal organizations (house churches) with the purpose of disrupting national security". Joseph (58) was sentenced to 10 years in prison and Mina (59) and Malihe (48) were sentenced to six years. Sonya and Masoumeh were sentenced to between one and four years in prison for membership of house churches, but were allowed to pay fines instead of serving the prison sentence. Sonya must pay 40 million tomans (approximately 1350 USD) and Masoumeh 24 million tomans (approximately 810 USD).
Joseph was further sentenced to exile for a two-year period in remote southeastern Iran and a two-year ban on traveling abroad and participating in any social or political group.
This month, the Tehran Court of Appeal upheld the verdicts, claiming that the defense had not met the necessary criteria for the appeal to be heard.
On August 29, Joseph, Mina, Sonya and Masoumeh were summoned to appear at the prosecutor's office in Evin prison to begin serving their sentence. It is not yet confirmed if Malihe has also been summoned.
Those who have been sentenced to prison may be detained on site or may be given a few days to prepare before reporting to prison.
Iranian Christians request our prayers. Please pray for that:
- God will strengthen and encourage Christians and their families during this challenging time.
- Judge Iman Afshari, responsible for many harsh punishments against Christians in recent months, will come to realize the injustice of the punishments meted out to those who peacefully practice their faith.
- The many Christians and members of other religions currently imprisoned in Iran for their faith will be released.
