(EXPRESS) — A group of Christians have been jailed and exiled for drinking communion wine which Iranian authorities claimed was a threat to national security.
Officials in Tehran charged four men with “acting against national security” and drinking alcohol after they took part in communion.
In a further blow Nadarkhani and Omidi were given additional sentences of two years in exile in southern Iran.
Drinking alcohol in Iran is forbidden under the country’s strict Sharia Islamic law, but despite the ban, enjoying a sly tipple at home is believed to be widespread amongst its 80 million strong population.
Holy Communion wine, also known as sacramental wine, is used by billions of Christians worldwide in celebration of the Eucharist.
