Mehran Shamloui

Christian convert Mehran is serving a 10-year sentence in Evin Prison on charges of “membership of an opposition group” (a house-church) and “propaganda activities contrary to Islamic law through foreign relations”.

Mehran was first arrested in November 2024 alongside two other Christian converts, Narges Nasri and Abbas Soori, following raids by intelligence agents on their homes in Tehran.

Personal belongings including Bibles, crosses and Mehran’s musical instruments were among the items confiscated by the arresting agents.

Mehran and the two other Christians were taken to Ward 209 of Evin Prison and released a month later on bail equivalent to more than $20,000, following a series of lengthy and intensive interrogations. 

Their court hearing took place on 15 February 2025 at Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran, where they were officially charged under Articles 499, 500 and 500 of the penal code. 

On 8 March 2025, they were sentenced to a combined 41 years in prison, fined, and deprived of social rights following their release. 

On 23 April 2025, their appeals were rejected “in view of the scope of their activities, and their harmful effects”, according to the verdict of the 36th branch of the Tehran appeal court. 

On 7 May 2025, the three Christians were summoned to begin their sentences. However, by this time they had fled the country. 

On 3 July 2025, Mehran was deported back to Iran from Turkey, having been detained while attempting to cross the border into Europe. Upon his arrival at Mashhad Airport, he was arrested and transferred to prison in Tehran to begin serving his sentence.