International
Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on August 15, 2020,
Iranian-Assyrian Pastor Victor Bet-Tamraz and his wife Shamiram Issavi
fled the country. Just four days prior, Shamiram received an official
summons to report to Evin Prison. This summons occurred after the couple
lost their appeal before
the courts. Pastor Victor was appealing a 10-year prison sentence, and
Shamiram was appealing a five-year prison sentence. The appeal process
took over two years because of multiple rescheduling delays.
Iran claims to protect religious freedom, citing constitutional
protections that only apply for citizens who can prove they were
Christians before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, such as Assyrians and
Armenians. However, this case demonstrates the government's relentless
pursuit of all Christians. It also highlights their policy of ignoring
any legal obligations regarding religious freedom.
The
Bet-Tamraz family expressed regret over leaving their home in Iran.
However, Pastor Victor and Shamiram are both in their 60s. Given the
notoriously harsh conditions of Evin Prison, made worse by COVID-19, a decision was made to flee from Iran for the sake of their health.
Judge Ahmed Zargar played an influential role in the outcome of their
appeal. As an appellate judge, Zargar’s courts frequently represent the
last hope for Iranian Christians hoping to have their sentence
overturned or reduced. Rather than intervening to protect religious
freedom, Zargar upholds and validates human rights violations committed
by the authorities.
In February 2019, ICC submitted a request to the United States Treasury to consider Zargar for Global Magnitsky sanctions.
Iran is recommended as a Country of Particular Concern by the United
States Commission on International Religious Freedom. Iran also rates in
ninth place on Open Doors’ World Watch List, which details countries
with the most severe religious freedom abuses towards Christians.
Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager for the Middle East, said, “Iran's
government has made it clear that it has no respect for religious
freedom, nor the dignity of human life. Leaving one's home is an
incredibly painful process, and not one that is taken lightly. While we
are glad that Pastor Victor and his wife Shamiram are safe, we are also
saddened by the circumstances which compelled them to leave.”
She continued, “We
also must remember that the Iranian government is not the same as the
Iranian people. The authorities want to dictate the conscience of every
citizen, and that does not sit well with many Iranians. Every human
rights violation committed by the government is a violation felt in some
way across the entire country. We keep Iran in our prayers, as well as
the Bet-Tamraz family, that they may find peace, safety, security, and
freedom of conscience.”
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
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