Update: Iranian convert detained after deportation back to country

One of three converts from Iran recently summoned to begin their prison sentences has been detained after being deported from Turkey.

A Christian who fled Iran to escape imprisonment for his faith has been detained after being deported back to the country.

Mehran Shamloui – one of several Christians in Iran we’ve recently requested prayer for – was arrested on Friday (5 July) at Mashhad International Airport. He was taken to a security detention facility in the city and is expected to be transferred to Tehran this week under the order of a duty judge.

In May, we reported that Mehran, along with two other converts, had been summoned to begin their prison sentences (see previous update below). He was given a sentence of ten years and eight months and fined the equivalent of £4,375. The charges include ‘propaganda against Islamic law’ and ‘membership in groups opposing the state’.

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According to sources close to the family, Mehran had earlier tried to leave the country through a Turkish airport, but was arrested and taken to a migrant camp. However, he chose not to apply for refugee status in Turkey, having witnessed many other Iranian Christians wait for years in uncertainty, only to have their cases ultimately rejected. Instead, Mehran attempted to cross the border into Europe but was caught and detained. He was flown back to Mashhad, where he was arrested.

Please pray

• That Mehran and his family will be sustained by God’s peace and presence
• That the authorities’ hearts will soften, leading to Mehran’s release
• That other Christians who’ve fled persecution in Iran will be cared for and protected from returning to Iran.

Source: Article18

13 May 2025

Three converts in Iran, including pregnant woman, summoned to begin severe prison sentences

You might recall praying for three Christians converts in Iran, including a pregnant woman, who were sentenced to a combined total of over 40 years in prison. In recent days, all three have been summoned to Evin Prison to begin serving their sentences.

Abbas Soori, Mehran Shamloui and Narges Nasri were arrested in November 2024 in concurrent raids on their homes in Tehran. Personal belongings, including Bibles, crosses and musical instruments, were confiscated. They were later charged with various offences, including involvement in a house church.

They have been given five days to appear at the country’s notorious Evin Prison. Failure to do so would mean having to pay a bail fee equivalent to more than £15,000. Sources suggest they may have left the country.

Please pray

• For wisdom, strength, courage and protection for Abbas, Mehran and Narges, and for the safety of Narges’ unborn child
• That their families will be upheld by God’s peace
• For the protection of the underground church in Iran, and for the imminent release of all those held in prison for their faith in Jesus.

Source: Article18

13 March 2025

Severe prison sentences given to three converts in Iran, including pregnant woman

Three Iranian Christian converts, including a pregnant woman, have been sentenced to a combined total of over 40 years in prison.

They were arrested in coordinated raids on their homes in the capital Tehran last autumn and held in Evin Prison. They were later released on bail before facing trial. Their sentencing reflects the ongoing crackdown on Christian converts in Iran.

Wide-ranging punishments

Narges Nasri (37) – who is pregnant with her first child – has been sentenced to 16 years’ imprisonment. This comprises ten years for ‘propaganda activities contrary to Islamic law’, five years for house church involvement, and one year for social media posts supporting the ‘Women, Life, Freedom’ movement that emerged following the death of Mahsa Amina for ‘improper’ wearing of the hijab.

Abbas Soori (48) has been given a 15-year sentence – ten years for ‘propaganda activities’ and five years for house church involvement. He had previously been arrested in 2020 and sentenced to non-custodial punishments alongside other Christians.

In addition to their sentences, both Narges and Abbas have been fined, banned from any group membership, and prohibited from residing in Tehran or leaving Iran for two years after her release.

Meanwhile, Mehran Shamloui (37), a musician, has been sentenced to ten years and eight months’ imprisonment. This breaks down to eight years for ‘propaganda activities’ and 32 months for house church membership. His musical instruments, worth around £4,375, were confiscated during his arrest. He’s also been fined.

Why are converts targeted?

The reason why converts are most vulnerable to extreme persecution in Iran is because the authorities believe they have been influenced by Western countries who want to undermine Islam and the regime. This makes them see the converts as a threat – a threat they want to stifle through tactics such as surveillance, raids on house churches, interrogations, fines and imprisonment. The approach means many Christian converts meet secretly, if at all, or leave the country altogether – and it’s why the country is ninth on the World Watch List.

Please continue to remember your Iranian family in your prayers – for those imprisoned and their families, those forced to flee, and those who bravely follow Jesus in their homes and communities despite the acute dangers it brings. Thank you.

Source: Article18