Five Iranian Christians have been sentenced to prison terms totalling more than 50 years in prison on charges related to their religious activities.
The five include Christian convert Naser Navard Gol-Tapeh and Iranian-Armenian pastor Joseph Shahbazian. Both were re-arrested in February 2025 after being “pardoned” and released early from long sentences – Naser in 2022 and Joseph in 2023.
They had previously spent a combined six years in prison on charges concerning their involvement in “house churches”.
Naser Navard Gol-Tapeh (left), Joseph and Lida Shahbazian [Image credit: Article 18]
Three women were also sentenced – Joseph’s wife Lida; Aida Najaflou, who recently suffered a spinal fracture after falling from her bunk bed in Evin Prison; and a third woman whose name has not been made public.
All except Lida received 10-year sentences under the amended Article 500 of the penal code, and at least two of them received additional five-year terms for the second charge of “gathering and collusion”.
Aida was also sentenced to an additional two years on “propaganda” charges related to social media posts. Lida received an eight-year sentence.
Aida suffers with rheumatoid arthritis. She was treated in hospital following her fall on 31 October but readmitted to hospital after a wound caused by her spinal surgery became infected in prison.
In a post on Sunday 7 December on X (formerly Twitter) her lawyer expressed fears for Aida’s long-term health if her condition is not managed correctly.
Aida Najaflou [Image credit: Article 18]
The sentences were decided following a second court hearing on 21 October at the 15th Branch of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran, but they were not communicated to the accused until several weeks later.
The Christians have been given 20 days to appeal.
In addition to the prison sentences, the state has confiscated the Christians’ personal property, including Bibles and other Christian literature, on the grounds of “research” by the Ministry of Intelligence.
How you can pray
Please lift up in prayer Joseph, Lida, Naser, Aida and the yet to be named sister as they face these harsh sentences. Ask that they will each experience the Lord’s comfort as the appeals are heard and the assurance that He is using even malevolent intentions to serve His perfect, sovereign purposes. Pray that the Word of God will indeed be researched by the authorities and carry such deep conviction to draw hearts and minds to following Him.
