A Tehrani woman who converted to Christianity has been told she could face a ten-year prison sentence for “disturbing public order, propagating Christianity and connecting with foreign entities”.

Simin Soheili, 40, was arrested on 30 January and transferred to Evin Prison, where she was informed of the charges against her. She was released on bail two weeks later, on 14 February, and has been left severely traumatised by her experience. 

Another Christian convert, Yasser Akbari, was arrested at the same time and also taken to Evin Prison, where he is still being detained. It remains unclear whether he has been formally charged.

Yasser has a teenage son with severe disabilities, who needs full-time care.

Many of Yasser’s contacts have been summoned for interrogation during his time in Evin Prison.