Iran: Fourfold increase in Christian sentences

Luke Randall  |  World
Date posted:  3 Mar 2025
Share Add       
Iran: Fourfold increase in Christian sentences

Malihe Nazari (left), Joseph Shahbazian (middle), Mina Khajavi (right) have a combined 22 years in prison. Source: Article 18

Prison sentences given to Christians in Iran in 2024 were six times harsher than in the previous year, and over four times as many were sentenced last year than in 2023, a new report has revealed.

The shocking new statistics were revealed in ‘The Tip of the Iceberg’, a report co-released by Article 18, Open Doors, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) and Middle East Concern.

The study found that 96 Christians were sentenced to a combined 263 years in jail last year, compared to 43½ years given to 22 believers in 2023. Notably, five Christians received 10-year prison sentences, while another was given 15 years. The large increase is owed partly to a backlog in the court system caused by a growing persecution towards Christians, largely through false financial allegations of foreign funding and forced confiscation of property.

Share
< Previous article| World| Next article >
Read more articles on:   Iran  /  persecuted church
Read more articles by Luke Randall >>
Features
UEFA's exclusive club versus God's open arms

UEFA's exclusive club versus God's open arms

The start of the British football season brings excitement and anticipation of what might be achieved over the 38-game marathon …

World
Evangelical concern over Austria aired

Evangelical concern over Austria aired

The World, European and Austrian Evangelical Alliances (WEA, EEA and EAÖ) have contributed to a report which expresses concern about …

New here?

Register and get three free articles each month!

Register

Need to advertise?

We can help you reach Christians across the country

Find out more