An Iranian Christian convert was arrested on Monday and transferred to Evin Prison to begin serving an eight-year, 11-month sentence for religious activities and “insulting the Supreme Leader.”
Morteza Faqanpour-Sasi was detained after being summoned to the Enforcement of Judgments Office in Varamin.
Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court in Varamin sentenced Faqanpour-Sasi to seven years and six months in prison for “educational and proselytizing activities contrary to Islam” and 17 months for “insulting Khamenei,” according to the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights.
Security forces first arrested Faqanpour-Sasi on June 12, 2024, and took him to Evin Prison, confiscating his books and mobile phone.
He remained in detention for four months before being temporarily released while awaiting trial.
Iran does not recognize conversions from Islam to other faiths and has prosecuted several Christian converts in recent weeks.
Human rights groups say Iranian authorities routinely charge religious minorities and converts with national security offenses.