Additional Name(s): سوادا آغاسر
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: Iran
Ethnic Group: Armenian
Religion or Belief: Christian – Orthodox
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: No
Sentence: 5 Years' Imprisonment
Date of Detainment: July/4/2017
Date of Release: July//2019
Current Status: Released
Religious Leader: No
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment
Reason for Persecution: Practicing Religion as a Convert Religious Activity
Nature of Charges: Illegal Assembly
Sevada Aghasar was imprisoned for his religious activity and being associated with religious converts.
In August 2013, authorities arrested Aghasar at the workplace of a friend in Karaj. He was reportedly denied access to a lawyer.
In March 2014, Asghar was released after posting bail.
In April 2015, Asghar was reportedly sentenced to five years in prison for “action against national security through collusion and gathering." Asghar remained out of prison on bail, until his appeal was rejected.
On July 4, 2017, Asghar was taken into state custody to begin serving his sentence at Evin Prison.
In May 2018, Asghar was granted a short release from prison.
In April 2019, Asghar was granted another short release from prison.
In July 2019, Asghar was released conditionally from prison.
"Sevada Aghasar" United For Iran
"Sevada Aghasar" Church In Chains
"‘Now I know even innocents can be jailed’ – Sevada Aghasar after his conditional release" Article 18
"Ebrahim Firouzi and Sevada Aghasar given five-year sentences" Article 18