Additional Name(s): احمد سرپرست
Gender: Male
Current Location: Lakan Prison
Perpetrator: Iran
Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: No
Sentence: 5 Years' Imprisonment
Date of Detainment: May/8/2022
Date of Sentencing: April//2022
Date of Release: October//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
Ahmad Sarparast was imprisoned for practicing his religion as a convert.
In September 2021, authorities arrested Sarparast, a member of the Church of Iran, and others in Rasht reportedly in relation to their religious practice. Sarparast was reportedly held in solitary confinement.
Later in September 2021, Sarparast was released on bail.
In April 2022, Branch 2 of the Rasht Revolutionary Court reportedly sentenced Sarparast 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 8, 2022, intelligence agents reportedly arrested Sarparast from his home.
In October 2023, Sarparast was reportedly granted conditional release from prison. He must report to the prison everyday to engage in compulsory work.
Related Cases: Ayub Pour Rezazadeh, Morteza Mashhood Kari
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
"Ahmad Sarparast" 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