Additional Name(s): Morteza Mashoodkari, Morteza Hajeb Mashhoud-Kari, مرتضی مشهودکاری
Gender: Male
Current Location: Lakan Prison
Perpetrator: Iran
Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: No
Sentence: 2 Years, 6 Months' Imprisonment (Originally 5 Years' Imprisonment)
Date of Detainment: May/10/2022
Date of Sentencing: April//2022
Date of Release: May//2023
Current Status: Released
Religious Leader: No
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment
Reason for Persecution: Practicing Religion as a Convert Religious Activity
Nature of Charges: Spreading Propaganda & False or Misleading Ideas, Information, or Materials
Morteza Mashhood Kari was imprisoned for practicing his religion as a convert.
In September 2021, authorities arrested Kari, a member of the Church of Iran, and others in Rasht reportedly in relation to their religious practice. Kari was reportedly held in solitary confinement.
Later in September 2021, Kari was released on bail.
In April 2022, Branch 2 of the Rasht Revolutionary Court reportedly sentenced Kari to five years in prison for "propaganda against the state" (Art. 500 IPC). Article 18 reported the charge as “engaging in propaganda and education of deviant beliefs contrary to the holy Sharia” and “connections with foreign leaders."
On May 10, 2022, Kari was reportedly arrested after being summoned to the Courthouse of Rasht City. He was transferred to Lakan Prison.
In November 2022, it was reported that Kari received a partial pardon, reducing his sentence to two and a half years in prison.
In May 2023, Kari was released from prison. He must report to prison everyday to engage in compulsory work.
Related Cases: Ayub Pour Rezazadeh, Ahmad Sarparast
Photo attributed to Article 18
"Converts released from prison but must report back daily for work" Article 18
"آزادی سه نوکیش از زندان؛ «هر روز باید برای کار خود را معرفی کنند»" Article 18
"Morteza Mashhood Kari" United for Iran
"House-church members still detained, families told upcoming appeal doomed" Article 18
"Christian Convert Morteza Hajeb Mashhoud-Kari Arrested in Rasht" Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA)
"Converts already facing charges re-arrested in Rasht" Article 18
"Christian converts given five-year sentences for ‘deviant propaganda’" Article 18
"Christian convert released on bail after month’s incommunicado detention" Article 18