Three men in the town of Karaj were sentenced on 22 August to five years in prison for propaganda against the state after they converted to Christia-nity from Islam. The sentence was later reduced to three years on appeal. In the meantime, they were released on bail with obligation to report weekly to the intelligence branch of Iran’s police.
According to Article18, a London-based advocacy group dedicated to religious freedom in Iran, the three converts – Milad Goudarzi, Ameen Khaki and Ali-reza Nourmohammadi (pictured) – were convicted of “spreading propaganda” against the state and engaging in “deviant educational activities opposing Islam”, i.e., practicing a religion different from Islam.
The initial verdict in June also imposed a fine of almost US$ 1,500 on each man who were released on bail for nearly $ 9,000. They will have to report to the authorities at least once a week for the next six months.
In November 2020, security forces raided their homes and seized personal items, including computers, mobile phones and religious books.