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Four Yarsan Followers Detained in Kermanshah Province

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News, Religious Minorities
Amin Abbasi, Kermanshah, Kheirollah Haghjooyan, Noshad Taheri, Pakzad Taheri, Sarpol-e Zahab, Yarsan Followers, Yarsanism

Today, on November 10, security forces arrested four followers of Yarsanism—Seyed-Amin Abbasi, Kheirollah Haghjooyan, Pakzad Taheri, and Noshad Taheri. The location of their detention remains undisclosed.

Sources indicate that these individuals were apprehended at a police checkpoint on the road connecting Sarpol-e Zahab to Kermanshah. The reasons behind their arrests, their current whereabouts, and the allegations against them remain unknown.

It’s worth noting that Abbasi, Noshad Taheri, and Haghjooyan have a history of previous arrests and judicial confrontations.

Yarsanism, also known as Ahl-e Haqq, is a syncretic religion founded by Sultan Sahak in the late 14th century in western Iran. As a religious minority, Yarsan followers often face intimidation and prosecution by the regime’s security and judicial systems. The community’s rights and freedoms have been a subject of concern, reflecting broader challenges faced by religious minorities in the region.

Execution of Three Inmates in Kashan and Tabriz

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Executions, News
Kashan, Khodadad Rahimi, Saber Alikhani, Tabriz

On November 8, officials at Kashan Prison carried out the execution of two inmates convicted of drug-related crimes, according to the Iran Human Rights Organization.

The individuals executed have been identified as Khodadad Rahimi, 40, and Saber Alikhani, 31. Rahimi and Alikhani received their death sentences three and two years ago, respectively.

Additionally, Rokna reported the recent execution of an inmate for murder in Tabriz Prison last week. The report did not disclose the identity of the individual. In July-August 2019, he committed murder by fatally stabbing someone during a group brawl.

According to data compiled by the Center of Statistics of Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA), between October 10, 2022, and October 8, 2023, a total of 659 individuals were executed by hanging in Iran, representing a 24% increase compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. Seven of these executions were conducted publicly. Concerningly, many of the defendants were denied access to a fair trial and due process. For details and statistics, read HRANA’s report.

Arrests of Five Baha’i Citizens in Karaj Heighten Concerns

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizens, Fahimeh Yazdi, Foad Taefi, Iman Ehsani, Iren Rahmani, Karaj, Reza Yazdi

In a recent development, security forces in Karaj have detained Baha’i citizens Iman Ehsani, Iren Rahmani, Foad Taefi, Reza Yazdi, and Fahimeh Yazdi.

According to information received by HRANA, the Ministry of Intelligence apprehended these individuals on Tuesday, November 7. The exact location of their detention remains unknown, intensifying concerns among their families.

Iman Ehsani and Iren Rahmani are parents of two sons aged 2 and 4.

This incident follows HRANA’s prior report on the arrest of four other Baha’is in Karaj. The reasons behind these detentions and the charges against the individuals are currently undisclosed, adding to the growing uncertainty surrounding the situation.

The Baha’i faith is not recognized as a legitimate religion by Iranian authorities, leading to systematic and longstanding violations of the rights of Baha’is in the country. This includes the denial of their fundamental right to practice their religion, which constitutes a clear breach of both Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The United Nations covenant holds that every person has the right to freedom of religion, freedom of converting religion, as well as freedom of expression, individually or collectively; openly or secretly.

 

Kamyab Raei Arrested and Detained in Unspecified Location

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News, Other
Kamyab Raei

On November 8, 2023, security forces apprehended Kamyab Raei, taking him to an undisclosed location.

A source with ties to his family reported Raei’s arrest at his residence. During the operation, the agents conducted a search of his house and seized some of his belongings. The motives behind Raei’s arrest, his current location, and the specific allegations against him remain unknown at this time.

Two Inmates Executed in Bandar Abbas

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Executions, News
Bandar-Abbas, Hamshahri Online

On November 8, 2023, two individuals convicted of drug-related crimes were executed in Bandar Abbas Prison, Hormozgan province, according to Hamshahri Online.

The identities of the executed inmates were not disclosed. Both had received the death penalty for offenses related to drug activities.

According to data compiled by the Center of Statistics of Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA), between October 10, 2022, and October 8, 2023, a total of 659 individuals were executed by hanging in Iran, representing a 24% increase compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. Seven of these executions were conducted publicly. Concerningly, many of the defendants were denied access to a fair trial and due process. For details and statistics, read HRANA’s report.

 

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Workers’ Rights Activist Peyman Farhangian Receives One-Year Sentence and Travel Restrictions

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Freedom of Expression, News
Astaneh-ye Ashrafiyeh, Gilan, Peyman Farhangian

The Gilan Court of Appeal has recently sentenced Peyman Farhangian, a poet and advocate for workers’ rights, to a one-year imprisonment term. Additionally, he has been subjected to a two-year travel ban and other social restrictions.

According to the verdict issued on November 8, Farhangian was convicted of “spreading propaganda against the regime.” The court has further mandated the removal of his Instagram page. Notably, the initial guilty verdict was delivered by the Criminal Court of Astaneh-ye Ashrafiyeh during a court session held in absentia, without the presence of Farhangian or his legal representative.

This marks a recurring legal challenge for Farhangian, who has a history of facing convictions and imprisonment for his activism. On September 23, 2020, he was initially handed a 38-year sentence, later reduced to ten years on appeal, with seven years of the term suspended for five years. Commencing his sentence on May 16, 2022, in Ezbaram Prison in Lahijan, he was granted probation and released in December 2022.

Swedish Johan Floderus Faces Indictment in Iran

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News
Hamid Nouri, Johan Floderus, Mizan, Sweden

The Iranian Judiciary spokesperson has announced the indictment of Swedish Diplomat Johan Floderus, as reported by Mizan, the judiciary’s news agency.

In a press conference, Setayeshi revealed that Floderus’s case has been forwarded to the court.

In April 2022, Floderus visited Iran. As he was departing Iran on April 16, 2022, he was detained by the Ministry of Intelligence at the airport on charges of espionage.

In July, the Ministry of Intelligence issued a statement asserting that Floderus had made multiple trips to Iran. During his last visit, he was allegedly on a mission to uncover the identity of another spy who had been apprehended in Iran. Intelligence agents monitored his communications and, after accumulating evidence, arrested him under a warrant issued by the judiciary.

It is worth noting that on May 6, 2022, the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed his detention in Iran. The Swedish daily newspaper Aftonbladet described his arrest as a retaliatory move by Iran’s regime in response to the trial of Hamid Nouri, a prominent figure involved in the 1988 executions of Iranian political prisoners. Nouri had been arrested in November 2019 in Sweden and subsequently convicted of crimes against humanity.

Azerbaijani-Turk Activist Hamed Yeganeh Pour Detained in Tabriz

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Ethnic Minorities, News
Azerbaijani Turk activist, Hamed Yeganeh Pour, Tabriz

On November 7, 2023, Azerbaijani-Turk activist Hamed Yeganeh Pour was apprehended by security forces in Tabriz and subsequently transported to the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility within the city.

Today, on November 8, Yeganeh Pour managed to contact his family, as relayed by a source close to them, revealing his detention at the Ministry of Intelligence’s facility. It’s crucial to note that Yeganeh Pour has a pre-existing heart condition, which makes any stressful situation a potential threat to his health.

At present, the specific reasons behind his arrest and the nature of the allegations against him remain undisclosed, raising concerns regarding his well-being and legal status.

Nine Baha’i Citizens Detained in Hamedan Amid Mass Searches

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News
Akhtar Kousari, Atefeh Zahedi, Farideh Ayoubi, Hamedan, Jinous Shadabi, Masoud Azarnoosh, Mehran Khandel, Naeim Aghdasi, Neda Mohebi, Nora Ayoubi, Pouran Habibi, Zarin Ahadzadeh, Zhaleh Rezaie

On November 7, 2023, security forces carried out the arrest of nine Baha’i citizens in Hamedan as part of a widespread search operation targeting the Baha’i community in the region.

The individuals apprehended during this operation are Naeim (Naeem) Aghdasi, Neda Mohebi, Zhaleh Rezaie, Jinous Shadabi, Atefeh Zahedi, Masoud Azarnoosh, Zarin Ahadzadeh, Farideh Ayoubi, and Nora Ayoubi. Security agents conducted house searches not only at their residences but also at the homes of many other Baha’is in Hamedan. Regrettably, these searches were marked by violence and verbal abuse, with personal belongings confiscated.

The motivations behind these mass arrests and the current whereabouts of the detained individuals remain shrouded in uncertainty.

In recent days, the homes of other Baha’i citizens in the city, including Mehran Khandel, Pouran Habibi, Jinous Shadabi, and Akhtar Kousari, have also been subjected to search operations.

The Baha’i faith is not recognized as a legitimate religion by Iranian authorities, leading to systematic and longstanding violations of the rights of Baha’is in the country. This includes the denial of their fundamental right to practice their religion, which constitutes a clear breach of both Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The United Nations covenant holds that every person has the right to freedom of religion, freedom of converting religion, as well as freedom of expression, individually or collectively; openly or secretly.

Four Baha’i Citizens Arrested in Karaj

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News, Religious Minorities
Babak Zeynali, Baha'i citizen, HRANA, Karaj, Nika Esmaeil Pour, Sahba Taef, Shervin Shabrokh

On November 7, Baha’i citizens Sahba Taef, Shervin Shabrokh, Nika Esmaeil Pour, and Babak Zeynali were apprehended by security forces in Karaj and subsequently taken to an undisclosed facility.

The arrests were brought to the attention of HRANA by a concerned Baha’i citizen. According to this source, security agents conducted a search of their residence during the operation. As of now, the reasons for their arrests and their current whereabouts remain unknown, raising significant concerns about their well-being and the circumstances surrounding their detention.

HRANA’s annual report has highlighted a concerning trend where, in 2022, 64.63% of reported human rights violations against religious minorities are directed toward the Baha’i community.

The Baha’i faith is not recognized as a legitimate religion by Iranian authorities, leading to systematic and longstanding violations of the rights of Baha’is in the country. This includes the denial of their fundamental right to practice their religion, which constitutes a clear breach of both Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The United Nations covenant holds that every person has the right to freedom of religion, freedom of converting religion, as well as freedom of expression, individually or collectively; openly or secretly.