Additional Name(s): انوشاوان آودیان
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: Iran
Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: No
Appeal: Rejected
Sentence: 10 Years' Imprisonment
Date of Detainment: September/18/2023
Date of Sentencing: April/11/2022
Current Status: Not Released
Religious Leader: Yes
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment
Reason for Persecution: Attending a Religious Gathering or Meeting Possession of Religious Materials Praying Religious Activity
Nature of Charges: Spreading Propaganda & False or Misleading Ideas, Information, or Materials
Anooshavan Avedian is imprisoned for his religious activity.
On August 21, 2020, agents with the Ministry of Intelligence Service arrested Avedian, a house church leader, after raiding a gathering in Narmak where several Christians had gathered to conduct religious activities. Among those gathered included Christian converts. Agents also confiscated Bibles and electronics.
On September 23, 2020, Avedian was released after posting bail for one billion tomans.
On April 11, 2022, the 26th Branch of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran reportedly sentenced Avedian to 10 years in prison for “propaganda activity against the system” and “acting against the country’s security through organization and leadership of an Evangelical Christian house-church." Article 18 reports that the judge found Avedian guilty of conducting activities "contrary to and disturbing to the holy religion of Islam."
In May 2022, it was reported that an appeals court had upheld Avedian's sentence.
In August 2022, it was reported that the Supreme Court had upheld Avedian's sentence.
On September 18, 2023, Avedian handed himself over to authorities to begin serving his sentence.
Photo attributed to Article 18
"Iranian-Armenian pastor begins 10-year sentence for his ‘disturbing’ teachings" Article 18
"Anooshavan Avedian" Article 18
"IRAN: Anooshavan Avedian loses appeal" Church In Chains
"Iranian Christians Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison and “Deprivation of Social Rights”" International Christian Concern (ICC)
"Three Christians Given Harsh Sentences By Iran Revolutionary Court" Iran International
"10-year sentence for Iranian-Armenian for ‘disturbing’ Christian teaching" Article 18