02/19/2019 Iran (International Christian Concern) – Today, Iranian Christian Shamiram Isavi Khabizeh is expected to have her appeal hearing held against a five-year prison sentence issued by Judge Ahmadzadeh. She is charged with acting against national security, acting against the regime by organizing small groups, attending seminary outside of Iran, and training church leaders to act as spies.
Her husband, Pastor Victor Bet Tamraz, was sentenced to 10-years imprisonment for acting against national security. Her son, Ramiel, was sentenced to four-months imprisonment for the same charge. They are also appealing their sentences. Her entire family has been heavily persecuted by the regime for their faith, although they are Assyrian Christians which means that they are technically recognized as Christian.
Meanwhile, Christian convert Simin Soheili was released from Evin Prison on February 14th. The conditions of her release are unknown. However, she is facing a 10-years prison for disturbing the public order, propagating Christianity, and being in contact with foreign entities. As a convert from Islam, the government does not recognize her Christian faith.
Iran is listed as a Tier 1 Country of Particular Concern by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. Christians and other religious minorities are heavily persecuted by the Islamic regime, who views other religions as an ideological threat to its national security.
For interviews with Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org.
