Additional Name(s): ابراهیم فیروزی

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Iran

Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Date of Detainment: February/8/2021

Date of Release: February/27/2021

Current Status: Released

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Detainment

Reason for Persecution: Practicing Religion as a Convert Religious Activity Religious Belief

Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Insulting Public Officials & Institutions Public Disorder Spreading Propaganda & False or Misleading Ideas, Information, or Materials

Ebrahim Firouzi

Extra Bio Info:

Ebrahim Firouzi was detained for practicing his religion as a convert. 

On February 8, 2021, authorities arrested Firouzi again after he released videos detailing the authorities' harassment of him. He was reportedly charged with “propaganda against the Islamic Republic in favor of hostile groups." It is reported that Firouzi went on hunger strike while in detention to protest the new charges. 

On February 27, 2021, Firouzi was reportedly released on bail.

Firouzi has been previously arrested and spent time in prison for his religious activity. 

In January 2011, authorities arrested Firouzi after accusing him of "Christian proselytization, distributing the bible and establishing home churches."  The exact details of his charges and sentence are unclear. According to United For Iran, Firouzi was pardoned by law and conditionally released.

On March 7, 2013, Firouzi was arrested again for unspecified reasons. 

In April 2013, Firouzi was released on bail.

In July 2013, Firouzi was sentenced to one year in prison.

On August 21, 2013, Firouzi was arrested while on leave from prison.  According to Church In Chains, he was accused of spying for Israeli intelligence. 

In April 2015, Firouzi was sentenced to five years in prison.  According to Church In Chains, he was convicted of “actions against national security, being present at an illegal gathering and collusion with foreign entities." According to United For Iran, Firouzi was charged with "founding or leading an organization that aims to disrupt national security" (Art. 498 IPC), “Insulting the Supreme Leader” (Art. 514 IPC), and "disrupting public order" (Art. 618 IPC).

Firouzi reportedly went on several hunger strikes while imprisoned in 2015, 2016, and 2017. 

In March 2017, it was reported that Firouzi's sentence had been confirmed.

On October 26, 2019. Firouzi was released from Rajai Shahr Prison.

In November 2019, Firouzi reported to Sarbaz to serve his exile. 

In September 2020, Firouzi was reportedly summoned to the prosecution office in Rasht after being accused of “insulting the sacred” and “propaganda against the state through promoting the Christian faith."  The accusations were subsequently dismissed.

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