06/09/2021 Iran (International Christian Concern) – Iranian Christian convert Reza Zaeemi submitted himself to Karaj Central Prison for his nine-month prison sentence on June 2. Zaeemi received a summons last month for his sentence for “propaganda against the Islamic Republic by promoting evangelical Christianity”. He reportedly attempted to go to the prison a week prior but was told to return later because no judge was there to process his admission.
Zaeemi was originally arrested on November 27, blindfolded, handcuffed, and interrogated. He was detained for a total of 17 days. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison on January 25 but an appeals verdict on April 25 reduced his prison time to nine months. He still faces a two-year travel ban after his release.
Zaeemi is one of many Christians currently serving prison time or facing persecution for their faith in Iran. Three Christian converts were arrested in May as well under the regime’s new, heavy penal code. Iran’s persecution of religious minorities also extends beyond Christians, with a total of 14 Baha’i citizens sentenced to a cumulative 104 years and three months in prison in the month of May.
For interviews, please contact Addison Parker: press@persecution.org.
