Additional Name(s): Naser Navard Gol-Tapeh, Navard Gol-Tapeh, ناصر نورد گل‌تپه

Gender: Male

Current Location: Evin Prison, Tehran

Perpetrator: Iran

Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant

Health Concerns: Contracted COVID-19

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: Yes

Appeal: Rejected

Sentence: 10 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: January//2018

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

Naser Navard Goltapeh

Extra Bio Info:

Naser Navard Goltapeh was imprisoned for practicing his religion as a convert. 

In June/July 2016, authorities arrested Goltapeh following a raid on an engagement party he was attending. He was reportedly denied access to a lawyer.

In November 2016, Goltapeh was reportedly released on bail.

In the summer of 2017, Goltapeh was sentenced to ten years in prison for "founding or leading an organization that aims to disrupt national security" (Art. 498 IPC), which reportedly included the crimes of "acting against national security, soft overthrow of the state through Christian proselytization, institutional relations with the church of The Living Word...and zionist propaganda."

In November 2017, it is reported that an appeals court had upheld Goltapeh's sentence.

In January 2018, it was reported that Goltapeh had been taken into state custody to begin serving his sentence. 

In August 2020, it was reported that Goltapeh had developed COVID-19 symptoms. 

In February 2022, it was reported that Goltapeh was experiencing COVID-19 symptoms following an outbreak in his prison.

In October 2022, it was reported that Goltapeh had been released from prison.

Goltapeh was reportedly routinely denied adequate medical care.

Goltapeh was reportedly denied retrials and parole, despite qualifying for it. 

Goltapeh was the primary caretaker of his mother prior to his arrest. 

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