Christian Released from Evin Prison

Christian Pastor Released after Lengthy Incarceration
Christian Solidarity Worldwide, USA

...Seyyedian’s baptism in Turkey the previous year had been interpreted as a deliberate attempt to demonstrate that there was a lack of freedom in Iran. The trial judge stated, “We have enough priests in Iran to baptize him,” and concluded that he was “propagating against the regime.” 

Seyyedian was re-arrested on March 14, 2012 at the Iranian border as he tried to enter Turkey and was subsequently imprisoned in Ward 350 of Evin Prison in Tehran. During his imprisonment he is known to have spent time in solitary confinement, experienced ill health and had threats made against his family members. 

CSW’s Chief Executive, Mervyn Thomas said, "CSW welcomes the release of Alireza Seyyedian after being imprisoned for over three and a half years on unwarranted charges. While we rejoice at his early release, we do not forget hundreds of others who are still unjustly detained on unwarranted security-related charges, including Behnam Irani. CSW encourages the Iranian authorities to release all those imprisoned on such charges, to ensure due process and to guarantee the right to freedom of religion or belief, as articulated in Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is party.”