Iran: pastor released after one year in prison

Pastor Vahik Abrahamian, an Armenian-Iranian Christian, has been released from Hamadan prison after nearly twelve months in detention.

Pastor Abrahamian, who has dual Dutch-Iranian citizenship, was arrested at his residence on 4 September 2010 along with his wife, Sonia Keshish Avanessian, Arash Kermanjani and Arezo Teimouri – a married couple belonging to his house church – and five others. The latter five were swiftly released but Pastor Abrahamian, Sonia, Arash and Arezo were held in solitary confinement in a detention centre for 44 days and subject to intensive interrogation and extreme psychological pressure. They were later transferred to Hamadan public prison. Pastor Vahik Abrahamian has since been released on 29 August 2011.

Whilst in prison they received no official charges for many months. On 19 September 2010, however, the group was accused, via a TV news broadcast, of attempting to destroy the Islamic Republic of Iran through the propagation of Christianity and they were referred to as “Zionist Christians”. Prison conditions are very poor and Pastor Abrahamian reportedly suffered from ill health while detained.

A source close to CSW has indicated that during their detention the group was given a paper in which a payment of the equivalent of £130,000 was demanded for the release of each person. The payment reportedly demanded was not bail but an unofficial bribe, since the authorities knew the group had links with international missionary groups. Unable to make such a payment, the group remained in detention and were finally brought to trial in late April. The group was acquitted under a sympathetic judge and Sonia, Arash and Arezo were released but, for unknown reasons, Pastor Abrahamian continued to be held for a further four months.

Pastor Abrahamian was previously arrested by security officials in Tehran on 20 February 2010. He was held for two months in Evin prison, most of which was spent in solitary confinement , and was temporary released on bail on 24 April 2010, pending his trial.

CSW’s Advocacy Director Andrew Johnston said, “We welcome the news that Pastor Abrahamian is now reunited with his family. He and his wife remain in our prayers as he recovers from the deprivations he suffered during his long incarceration. The reported demand for bribe money for the release of this group was an outrageous move by the authorities. Furthermore, CSW deplores the recurrent practice of arbitrary detention on the part of the Iranian regime, as demonstrated by the continuing detention of Pastor Abrahamian following his acquittal in April. All long-term detainees who, like Farshid Fathi, are being held without charge or trial must be released immediately, and without recourse to extortionate bail payments or bribes. Those held solely on the basis of their faith must be released in line with Iran’s international obligations under Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) to protect and uphold freedom of religion or belief.”