An Iranian Christian sentenced to 10 years for conducting a house church has been denied a retrial, reported the relief organization Barnabas Fund.
Naser Navard Goltapeh, 60, has already served more than four years for the conviction on “acting against national security with the intention to overthrow the regime” by conducting a house church. He has been incarcerated in Tehran’s Evin Prison, known as a place where inmates are treated abusively, stated Barnabas Fund.
Additionally, he is alleged to have ties to churches and Christian entities outside the country, the report stated.
During his imprisonment, Naser has requested a retrial three times, all of which were rejected. Then, the Supreme Court considered his case in January, but ruled that his request did not meet requirements for a retrial, said the report.
Although the court’s ruling was dated Feb. 19, Naser’s family was not informed of the decision until March 1, Barnabas Fund reported.
Iran is No. 9 on Open Doors’ 2022 World Watch List of places most difficult to be a Christian.
