Christian convert in Iran sentenced to three years in prison

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Christian convert in Iran sentenced to prison for three years for insulting Islamic sacred beliefs.

Along with sentencing, 65-year-old Ismaeil Maghrebinejad is also charged with propaganda against the Islamic Republic and membership of a group hostile to the regime.

Maghrebinejad has less than 20 days to appeal his sentence.

Previously, Maghrebinejad had trouble finding a lawyer for his defence and was also issued a bail amount of approximately $9,000 USD.

Initially, he was facing an apostasy charge, which was declined during a November hearing.

Since Iran's government stems from Islam, it sees Christianity as a religion of threat. Because of the government's strict rules against people, many are giving up Islam and accepting Christianity as their new faith.

Though Iran has the fastest growing Christian community in the region, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom rates it as a Tier 1 Country of Particular Concern.