Iranian Christian convert Mehran Shamloui (37), who fled to Turkey after being sentenced to ten years in prison for his house-church activities, has been detained following deportation back to Iran.

On 3 July Mehran was flown to Mashhad Airport in northeast Iran, where he was arrested. He was later transferred to Greater Tehran Penitentiary to begin serving his sentence.

Mehran fled to Turkey after he and two other Christians were given long sentences in March 2025. He decided not to apply for refugee status in Turkey but rather to attempt to cross the border into Europe because, according to Article 18’s sources, he had seen so many Iranian Christians spend years awaiting resettlement only to see their applications rejected. He was caught and detained in Istanbul while attempting to escape to Europe without valid documentation.

Background

Mehran and Christian converts Abbas Soori and Narges Nasri (pictured) were arrested in November 2024 when intelligence agents simultaneously raided their homes in Tehran and confiscated Bibles, crosses and musical instruments. Equipment worth around €5,000 was confiscated from Mehran, who is a musician. Narges was reportedly pregnant with her first child at the time of her arrest.

The three Christians were transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison, which is under the control of the Ministry of Intelligence, and underwent intense interrogations. They were released a month later on bail equivalent to more than €18,000 each.

Their court hearing took place on 15 February at Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran, where they were officially charged with “membership of opposition groups” (house churches), “propaganda against the system” and “propaganda activities contrary to Islamic law through foreign relations”.

On 8 March the three Christians’ sentences were pronounced by notorious Revolutionary Court judge Iman Afshari. Narges (who turns 38 this month) received the longest sentence, 16 years in prison: ten years for “propaganda activities contrary to Islamic law”, five years for “membership of an opposition group” and one year for “propaganda against the state” (for having posted on social media in support of the Women, Life, Freedom movement).

Abbas (48) was sentenced to 15 years in prison: ten years for “propaganda activities” and five years for “membership of an opposition group”. Mehran was sentenced to eight years for “propaganda activities” and two years and eight months for “membership of an opposition group”.

All three were also fined and sentenced to deprivation of social rights, such as access to healthcare, employment or education, for 15 years (Narges and Abbas) and eleven years (Mehran). Narges and Abbas were also sentenced to two-year post-release bans on membership of any group, residing in their home province of Tehran or leaving Iran.

The Christians’ appeals were rejected on 23 April “in view of the scope of their activities, and their harmful effects”, by which time they had already fled the country.

(Article 18, Middle East Concern)

Photos: Article 18