Iranian Christians appealing severe sentences
Tehran: Three Iranian Christians are
appealed sentences which was scheduled for Sunday 4 February to review
the sentences against Assyrian pastor Victor Bet Tamraz and Christian
converts, Amin Nader Afshari and Hadi Asgari. However, the hearing was
postponed, and a new date has yet to be given.
Pastor Victor is appealing a 10-year sentence, issued on 4 July 2017,
for "acting against national security." Amin Afshar Naderi has been
sentenced to fifteen years' imprisonment and Hadi Asgari to ten years,
both on the same charge. Hadi remains detained in Evin prison, having
been refused bail by the Court of Appeal. Amin and Hadi have been under
intense pressure to convert back to Islam, but they remain firm in their
faith.
Separately, pastor Victor's wife, Shamiram, is awaiting an appeal
hearing as she contests a five-year prison sentence imposed on 6
January.
