Abdolreza Ali Haghnejad

Extra Bio Info:

Abdolreza Ali Haghnejad is detained for practicing his religion as a convert.

On January 15, 2022, authorities reportedly arrested Haghnejad, a church leader, in Bandar Anzali for a prior conviction of and six-year sentence for “propagating Christianity" overturned in 2014.  He was transferred to Anzali Prison.

In February 2022, a court of appeals acquitted Haghnejad of his 2019 sentence for "assembling and colluding to act against national security" (Art. 610 IPC).

In July 2022, Haghnejad was reportedly granted leave from prison.

On December 26, 2022, authorities reportedly arrested Haghnejad and other Christian converts after raiding a house church during a Christmas celebration.  They were subsequently transferred to Lakan Prison.

In July 2023, a court reportedly levelled new charges against Haghnejad for undermining state security. 

In July 2023, it was reported that Haghnejad was flown to Minab to complete his prison sentence.

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Since 2011, Haghnejad has been arrested several times in relation to his religious activity.

On February 10, 2019, Haghnejad was arrested while at his home.  Other members of the Church of Iran in Rasht were reportedly arrested around the same time.

On July 24, 2019, a judge reportedly set an exorbitantly high bail for Haghnejad forcing him to remain in prison. During this hearing, it is also reported that Haghnejad was not allowed to choose his own lawyer. 

On October 13, 2019, Haghnejad was sentenced to five years in prison for "assembling and colluding to act against national security" (Art. 610 IPC).

In March 2020, Haghnejad's appeal was rejected after he and his lawyer were reportedly not allowed to attend the hearing. 

On December 30, 2021, Haghnejad was reportedly conditionally released from Anzali Prison pending a review of his case.

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