Additional Name(s): ژوزف شهبازیان

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Iran

Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Appeal: Rejected

Sentence: Reduced to 2 Years' Imprisonment (Originally 10 Years' Imprisonment)

Date of Detainment: August/30/2022

Date of Sentencing: June/7/2022

Date of Release: September/13/2023

Current Status: Released

Religious Leader: Yes

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Practicing Religion as a Convert Religious Activity Religious Belief Religious Figure & Religious Leadership Role

Nature of Charges: Banned Organization

Joseph Shahbazian

Extra Bio Info:

Joseph Shahbazian was imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.

On June 30, 2020, authorities arrested Shahbazian, a house-church leader, following raids targeting house-churches across several cities.

On August 22, 2020, Shahbazian was released on bail.

On June 7, 2022, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court reportedly sentenced Shahbazian to 10 years in prison for "founding or leading an organization that aims to disrupt national security" (Art. 498 IPC).

In August 2022, a Tehran appeals court rejected Shahbazian's appeal.

On August 30, 2022, Shahbazian surrendered into state custody to begin serving his sentence at Evin Prison.

In June 2023, it was reported that Shahbazian's sentence had been reduced to two years. 

On September 13, 2023, Shahbazian was released from prison after reportedly being pardoned.

Related Cases: Malihe Nazari

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