An Iranian Christian convert has been released from Evin Prison after two years in detention on charges related to his religious activities.

Amir-Ali Minaei, 32, was released on Wednesday, 29 April, as part of an annual amnesty of prisoners.

He had been serving a sentence of three years and seven months in prison (later reduced to two years and six months because he did not appeal) since 29 April 2024, on charges of “propaganda activities against the regime through establishing a house-church”.

Amir-Ali was assaulted by a prison guard last year, leading to concerns for his health, as he has a heart condition.

He later went on a hunger strike to protest against the denial of access to a telephone during his incarceration.

Amir-Ali was first arrested in December 2022 and detained for over two months in Ward 209 of Evin Prison, which is under the control of the Ministry of Intelligence. 

He was then released on bail equivalent to around $10,000, following a series of intensive interrogations.

Amir-Ali’s heart condition was diagnosed between his release on bail and his sentencing, and is understood to have been caused directly by the stress he was placed under during his initial detention and the threat of further imprisonment.

He was sentenced in March 2024 by notorious Revolutionary Court judge Iman Afshari, who also sentenced Amir-Ali to deprivation of social rights – such as membership of any organisation – following his imprisonment.

Amir-Ali applied for conditional release in January 2025, but his request was blocked by Ministry of Intelligence agents due to his perceived lack of “cooperation” with them.