Iranian Christian convert given suspended prison sentence and lashes

A 21-year-old Iranian Christian convert, Fatemeh (Mary) Mohammadi, has been sentenced to three months plus one day in prison and ten lashes, Article 18 reports.

The sentence relates to Mary’s alleged participation in anti-government demonstrations following the downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane in January. The sentence is suspended for one year, and depends on her future conduct.

Mary has not appealed against the verdict, but commented: “There was no evidence against me, so I ought to have been acquitted."

Mary has already spent six months in prison as a result of her participation in house-churches and in July last year she faced fresh criminal charges relating to her “improper” wearing of hijab. 

Read the full story at Article 18.