Extra Bio Info:

Sara Ahmadi was imprisoned for practicing her religion as a convert.

In June 2019, authorities arrested Ahmadi and her husband, ​​​​​​Homayoun Zhaveh, as they were on vacation with some friends. Ahmadi wife was accused of leading a house-church, and her husband was accused of being a member of it. Ahmadi reportedly spent over a month in solitary confinement while detained. 

On an unspecified day in 2019, Ahmadi was released on bail. 

In November 2020, Ahmadi was sentenced to eight years in prison for "founding or leading an organization that aims to disrupt national security" (Art. 498 IPC) and three years for "membership in organizations that aim to disrupt national security" (Art. 499 IPC).

In December 2020, Ahmadi's sentence was reportedly reduced to eight years in prison.

In June 2021, Ahmadi was informed that the Supreme Court had rejected her appeal for retrial.

On August 13, 2022, authorities detained Ahmadi after and sent her to Evin prison, possibly to begin serving her sentence.

In May 2023, it was reported that both Ahmadi and her husband were acquitted and released from their combined ten-year prison sentence. 

Related Cases: ​​​​​​Homayoun Zhaveh

Extra Bio Info:

Rolando Álvarez was imprisoned for criticizing religious freedom conditions.

On August 4, 2022, police prevented Álvarez, bishop of the Matagalpa diocese, from leaving his home to perform mass at a local cathedral after he criticized the government’s recent closure of several Catholic radio stations and its human rights record. Álvarez remained under de facto house arrest as authorities investigated him for “organizing violent groups” and encouraging them “to carry out acts of hate against the population.”

On August 19, 2022, police arrested Álvarez from his residence. It is reported that he was taken to Managua and placed under house arrest in his parents' home.

In December 2022, a court ordered that Álvarez remain under house arrest on charges of “conspiracy” and “spreading false news." He was also accused of “damaging the Nicaraguan government and society.”

On February 10, 2023, a court sentenced Álvarez to 26 years in prison after he declined to be exiled to the United States in a prisoner release the day before. Álvarez was reportedly convicted of several charges, including treason, undermining national integrity and spreading false news. He was also fined and stripped of his citizenship.

On January 14, 2024, Álvarez was released from prison and exiled to the Vatican.

Related Cases: Ramiro Tijerino, Sadiel Eugarrios, Raúl Antonio Vega, José Luis Díaz, Darvin Leiva, Melkin Sequeira, Sergio Cárdenas

Extra Bio Info:

Homayoun Zhaveh was imprisoned for practicing his religion as a convert.

In June 2019, authorities arrested Zhaveh and his wife, Sara Ahmadi, as they were on vacation with some friends. Zhaveh's wife was accused of leading a house-church and Zhaveh was accused of being a member of it. 

In August 2019, Zhaveh was reportedly released on bail.

In November 2020, Zhaveh was sentenced to two years in prison for "membership in organizations that aim to disrupt national security" (Art. 499 IPC).

In December 2020, Zhaveh's sentence was upheld.

In June 2021, Zhaveh was informed that the Supreme Court had rejected his appeal for retrial.

On August 13, 2022, authorities detained Zhaveh after and sent him to Evin prison, possibly to begin serving his sentence.

In May 2023, it was reported that both Zhaveh and his wife were acquitted and released from their combined ten-year prison sentence. 

Related Cases: Sara Ahmadi