Christian Rights Lawyer Summoned to Prosecutor’s Office in Iran Amidst Rising Persecution

In the latest wave of persecution against Christians in Iran, Iman Soleimani, a lawyer known for defending Iranian Christians in court, has been summoned to the General and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Bandar-e Mahshahr (a city in the Central District of Mahshahr County, Khuzestan province, south-western Iran). Soleimani now faces scrutiny for his advocacy work.

Bandar-e Mahshahr, where Soleimani defended other Christian converts subjected to religious “re-education” sessions, is witnessing an alarming trend of legal actions against those defending Christians. Notably, Esmaeil Narimanpour, a Christian convert previously represented by Soleimani, has recently been re-arrested and remains in custody.

This summon adds to the challenges faced by lawyers dealing with cases related to alleged breaches of “national security,” a common charge against arrested Christians in Iran. The persecution extends beyond Soleimani, as numerous other lawyers have been arrested or imprisoned for defending Christians in court.

 The personal danger involved in representing Christians has deterred many lawyers from taking on such cases, leaving Christian converts struggling to find legal representation. Touraj Shirani, an arrested Christian convert, shared his difficulty in finding a lawyer willing to represent him, citing the nature of the charges. Sanaz Karami, another Christian convert, echoed the sentiment, revealing that most lawyers were unwilling to take on “security” cases due to perceived challenges and potential failures.

As the persecution against Christianity persists in Iran, the summon of Iman Soleimani underscores the ongoing struggles faced by those advocating for the rights of Christian converts in the country.