An Iranian court has sentenced five Christian converts to a combined 55 years in prison, highlighting the severe and ongoing persecution faced by Christians in the Islamic Republic. The verdicts were issued by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, targeting individuals accused of participating in house churches and practicing Christianity after converting from Islam. One of the converts received a 17-year sentence, while the others were handed prison terms ranging from eight to ten years, along with additional penalties such as social restrictions and fines.
Iran does not legally recognize conversion from Islam, and authorities frequently portray Christian worship outside state-approved churches as a threat to national security. Peaceful religious activities, including prayer meetings, Bible study, and sharing faith with others, are often criminalized under vague charges such as “propaganda against the state” or “acting against national security.”
Human rights groups report that pressure on Christians has intensified in recent years, with arrests, surveillance, and lengthy prison sentences becoming increasingly common. Many Christian converts face constant fear of detention, loss of employment, and separation from their families. These harsh sentences reflect a broader pattern of discrimination against religious minorities in Iran, where freedom of belief remains tightly restricted despite international human rights commitments.