Accused of collusion: for celebrating Christmas and taking communion
Three Christians have been charged with “propaganda” and “collusion” for participating in basic religious activities like praying and celebrating Christmas.
These three are in prison in Iran, where they have been charged with propaganda and collusion for Christian activities. Left to right are Nasser Navard Gol-Tapeh, Aida Najaflou and Joseph Shahbazian.
Joseph Shahbazian, Nasser Navard Gol-Tapeh, and Aida Najaflou have spent more than eight months incarcerated in the notorious Evin Prison in Tehran, Iran. Both Joseph and Nasser have previously served prison sentences for Christian activities according to Article 18, a religious freedom organization supported by Stefanus Alliance International.
Colluding to celebrate Christmas
In addition to the general charges, Aida also faces two other serious accusations: “propaganda activity against the Islamic Republic of Iran in cyberspace” and “propaganda in favor of groups or organizations opposing the Islamic Republic of Iran.” These charges carry severe penalties.
The three were among a total of five Christians indicted in June for “gathering and collusion” and “propaganda against the Islamic Republic of Iran.” The charges were triggered by common and foundational Christian practices such as prayer, baptism, taking communion, and celebration of Christmas. The acts were presented as evidence of criminal behavior, and the Bible described as a “forbidden book.”
Iran’s “execution judge”
The first hearing took place at the 15th Branch of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran, with the infamous judge Abolqasem Salavati presiding over the case. Salavati has been highlighted as instrumental figure in the country’s crackdown on journalists and political activists, and dubbed ‘Iran's Hanging Judge’ by Iranian human rights activists. Salavati has been sanctioned by both the US and the EU.
Two other Christians originally named in the indictment;, Joseph’s wife, Lida, and another woman whose name has not been publicly released, were released on bail. However, neither haves been summoned to court, for reasons that remain unclear. Both Joseph and Nasser had previously been pardoned for their alleged offenses.
Threats to national intelligence
Article 18’s director Mansour Borji commented, “This case is a clear example of the way in which the intelligence agencies of the Islamic Republic of Iran seek to bring fresh charges against individuals who have been released against their wishes.”
“The charges make it clear that they have done nothing extraordinary but only met with other Christians to pray, as is common religious practice for Christians and adherents of many other faiths around the world. But when such activity involves Christian converts, it is considered a threat to the Islamic Republic of Iran’s national security, leading to trumped-up charges against both Christian converts like Nasser and Aida, and Christians of Assyrian or Armenian descent like Joseph,” Borji writes.