Additional Name(s): Majid Reza Souzanchi Kashan, مجیدرضا سوزنچی کاشانی

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Iran

Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant

Reports of Torture: Yes

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Appeal: Reduced to 2 Years' Imprisonment + 2 Years' Imprisonment

Sentence: Originally 5 Years' Imprisonment + 2 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: November/18/2017

Date of Release: April/8/2021

Current Status: Released

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

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

Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Spreading Propaganda & False or Misleading Ideas, Information, or Materials

Majid Kashan

Extra Bio Info:

Majid Kashan was imprisoned for practicing his religion as a convert. 

On November 18, 2017, authorities arrested Kashan at a house-church. Kashan is believed to have been originally arrested for murder following the death of a friend in a mountain climbing accident. He was reportedly denied a lawyer and subjected to prolonged solitary confinement and torture. 

In April/May 2018, Kashan was sentenced to five years in prison. There are conflicting reports about the nature of the charges. United For Iran reports he was charged with "membership in organizations that aim to disrupt national security" (Art. 499 IPC) and "propaganda against the state" (Art. 500 IPC), whereas Middle East Concern reports he was charged with “founding or leading an organization that aims to disrupt national security" (Art. 498 IPC) for “membership in evangelistic groups and Christianity activity.”  At an unknown date, Kashan was acquitted of murder. 

In December 2018, it was reported that Branch 54 of the Tehran Appeals Court reduced Kashan's sentence to two years in prison.

In August 2020, it was reported that Kashan was still in prison and was serving a two-year sentence for "theft," a crime tied to the aforementioned murder case against him.  The circumstances of his trial and sentencing are unclear. 

On April 8, 2021, Kashan was reportedly released. 

Kashan is divorced with children.

Sources: