Iranian Catholic Convert Sentenced to Nearly 10 Years in Prison; Bible Confiscated

May 26, 2026: Iranian Catholic convert Ghazal Marzban, whose husband lives with Parkinson’s disease, has reportedly been sentenced to nearly ten years in prison. Reports state that the ruling was officially communicated in May 2026 after she faced charges linked to her Christian faith and activities.

According to the Persian-language Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), Marzban received a prison sentence of nine years and eight months on charges including “propaganda against the state” and “gathering and collusion against national security”.

The ruling was reportedly delivered by Revolutionary Court judge Iman Afshari, a figure previously sanctioned by the European Union and known for handling cases involving Christians and political prisoners.

Marzban had already served two months in prison in 2024 after being convicted of “propaganda against the regime by chanting slogans”. In January, authorities reportedly arrested her again at her residence in Tehran.

During the arrest, officials allegedly seized her Bible along with other Christian books and materials before transferring her to an undisclosed location. Reports state that her family initially received no information explaining why she had been detained.

Roughly two hours later, Marzban contacted her husband and informed him that she was being held at a detention centre run by the Ministry of Intelligence. According to reports, she then spent nearly a month without communication with the outside world.

Christian persecution watchdog Article18, citing informed sources, reported that investigators pressured Marzban during questioning to admit that her Bible and Christian literature were being used for evangelism. She reportedly denied the accusation, insisting that the materials were for personal use and that, as a Christian, she had the right to own them.

Marzban embraced Catholicism seven years ago and has reportedly faced mounting pressure ever since. Reports claim that although she graduated in Islamic law, she was barred from sitting for her bar examinations and was encouraged to leave Iran.

Her husband, who also converted to Christianity, has reportedly experienced ongoing difficulty obtaining the medication needed to treat his Parkinson’s disease.

Mansour Borji, executive director of Article18, said the punishment affects not only Marzban but also her husband.

“Due to her husband’s condition,” he said, “this is in reality a sentence for both of them.”

Iran currently ranks tenth on the Open Doors World Watch List, an index that identifies countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution.

Courtesy: Premier Christian News