On December 11, 2023, Christian converts Alireza and Amir Nourmohammadi were arrested along with Milad Goodarzi in Karaj by Iranian intelligence officers. Milad was released after several hours but was told to expect another summons for questioning. Alireza and Amir remain in detention.
Alireza and Milad were among several Christians arrested in their homes in December 2017 and later sentenced to four months in prison for "propaganda against the regime".
In November 2020, their home was among 12 belonging to Christian converts in the Karaj region that were raided by intelligence agents who confiscated Bibles, cell phones and computers.
In June 2021, Alireza, Milad and another convert, Amin Khaki, were each sentenced to five years in prison plus a fine of 40 million tomans (then equivalent to approximately 57,910 DKK) for "engaging in propaganda that educates in a deviant manner contrary to the holy religion of Islam." On appeal, the prison sentences were reduced to three years and the fines waived. They were released from Karaj Central Prison in March 2023 as part of a general amnesty granted to prisoners on the occasion of the 44th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, according to Danish European Mission partner Middle East Concern.
The plight of these converts reveals the ongoing harassment by Iranian authorities that members of religious communities not recognized by the state face - including searches of homes, confiscation of personal belongings, repeated summons for questioning, arrests, prosecution and sentencing for the peaceful practice of their faith.
Friends of Alireza and Amir ask that:
- God will strengthen the brothers and guide them in their response to the interrogators.
- God will encourage their families
- Alireza and Amir must be released without being charged.
- The Iranian authorities will recognize the right of religious communities to practice their faith without interference or harassment.
Danish European Mission improvers and donors ensure that families of Christian prisoners of conscience in Iran receive financial help to meet daily expenses such as rent, food purchases and electricity and water payments.
