Christian Convert Laleh Sa’ati Receives Prison Sentence and Travel Restriction

Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court has sentenced Christian convert Laleh Sa’ati to two years in prison, coupled with a travel ban preventing her from leaving the country.

Presiding Judge Iman Afshari delivered the verdict to Sa’ati on March 24, citing her conviction for “actions against national security.”

According to a source close to Sa’ati’s family, she is reportedly in poor mental health, grappling with severe depression while incarcerated.

Sa’ati was arrested by security forces on February 13, 2024, and initially detained in the Women’s Ward of Evin Prison. However, she was later transferred multiple times to Ward 209 for interrogation by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence.

HRANA has received reports indicating that Sa’ati had been residing in Malaysia before her return to Iran.

Three Iranian Christians Sentenced to Imprisonment

Recently the Revolutionary Court of Tehran sentenced Christian Citizen Anoushavan Avodian to 10 years imprisonment, a fine and additional social restrictions. In this legal case, two other Christian converts, Abbas Soori and Maryam Mohammadi were fined 50 million tomans and sentenced to additional social restrictions.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, the Revolutionary Court of Tehran sentenced Anoushavan Avodian, Abbas Soori and Maryam Mohammadi to imprisonment, fines and other social restrictions.

According to the verdict issued by Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran, headed by Judge Afshari, Anoushavan Avodian was sentenced to 10 years in prison, paying a fine and restrictions of rights for 10 years. Abbas Soori and Maryam Mohammadi were fined 50 million tomans, prohibited from membership in political groups, and banned from leaving the country and residing in Tehran Province and neighboring provinces. Also, they are ordered to appear once every three weeks at the Supervision and Follow-up office of the Judiciary for two years.

The above individuals have been convicted on the charge of “organizing and running evangelical “Zionist” home church with the intention to act against national security,” and ” maintaining satellite dish and receivers.”

Their Attorney Iman Soleimani told HRANA: “All arguments provided by the defence lawyer in the court have been ignored and the verdict has been issued based on the judicial officers’ workflow.”

The prosecution of Christian converts stands in blatant violation of Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which state that every individual has the right to freedom of religion and belief and freedom to express it openly or secretly.