A Christian has been fined and denied social rights for five years because he established house churches in Iran.
The civil court of Bandar Anzali convicted Rahmat Rostamipour of disseminating propaganda by teaching or sending messages about Christianity. The relief group Barnabas Fund reported.
Rahmat was fined 6 million tomans ($185), with the threat of another fine of 18 million if he commits the same “offense” within the next 24 months. Six million tomans is about a month of wages.
Iran’s penal code prohibits instruction “contrary to Islam,” Barnabas Fund noted.
Rahmat was arrested April 18 after ministry of intelligence agents raided his home. His wife, Azar, was questioned but not charged.
Subject to punishment
Barnabas Fund said people who speak Farsi and convert from Islam to Christianity are subject to punishment for apostasy under Islamic law. Farsi-speaking Christians are not allowed freedom to worship or assemble in a church.
Iran is No. 9 on Open Doors’ 2022 World Watch List of places most difficult to be a Christian.
