Category: Religious Minorities

Baha’i Citizen Pariya Marandiz Taken to Evin Prison to Serve Her Sentence

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News, Prisoners, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, Evin Prison, HRANA, Pariya Marandiz

HRANA – On Saturday, 22 November 2025, Pariya Marandiz, a Baha’i citizen, was taken to Evin Prison to begin serving her prison sentence.

Based on information received by HRANA, Ms. Marandiz was taken to Evin Prison today, Saturday, 22 November 2025, to begin serving her sentence. Some time ago, Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced her to three years in prison on charges of propaganda activity against the Islamic Republic of Iran during the 12-day war and propaganda activity aimed at strengthening and reinforcing the Israeli regime. She was also banned from using social media for two years.

Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the most severe sentence, two years in prison for the charge of propaganda activity aimed at strengthening and reinforcing the Israeli regime, will be enforceable for this Baha’i citizen. Eighteen months of the issued prison term has been suspended for five years.

Ms. Marandiz had also been summoned by the Ministry of Intelligence on 20 June, 1 July, and 13 July 2025, and interrogated for several hours each time.

On 17 June 2025, Ms. Marandiz was briefly detained by security forces. At the same time, her residence was searched. During this search, officers confiscated a number of her and her family members’ personal belongings, including books, religious images, laptops, and mobile phones.

Over the past decade, the Iranian Bahá’í community has been disproportionately targeted by Iran’s security forces and judiciary, more than any other minority group. In the past three years, an average of 72 percent of the reports on religious rights violations collected by HRANA have documented the Iranian regime’s repression of the Bahá’í community.

Seven Baha’i Citizens Now Imprisoned in Karaj Following Enforcement of Sentences

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News, Religious Minorities
HRANA, Kachoui prison, Karaj, Parsa Soroushian, Rouzbeh Naseri

HRANA – Parsa Soroushian and Rouzbeh Naseri, two Baha’i citizens residing in Karaj, were transferred on Sunday, November 16, to the Central Penitentiary of Karaj to begin serving their prison sentences.

According to information received by HRANA, on November 16, these two Baha’i citizens were detained after appearing at the Enforcement Unit of the Karaj Revolutionary Court and were transferred to the Central Penitentiary of Karaj to begin serving their sentences.

In a separate report, HRANA had already announced the enforcement of the prison sentences for five other defendants in the same case: Naghmeh Mirza-Agha, Mahin Sa’adatmand, Mahshid Sefidi, Samar Masoudi, and Naser Rajab. Among them, Mr. Rajab was transferred to the Central Penitentiary of Karaj, while the four women were taken to Kachoui Prison. These citizens had been summoned to the Enforcement Unit of the Karaj Revolutionary Court in mid-Mehr for the execution of their sentences.

Following an appeals hearing on September 8, 2025, Branch 12 of the Alborz Province Court of Appeals reduced their sentences to five months in prison, two years of travel bans, and two years of bans on social activity. Previously, each had been sentenced by Branch 2 of the Karaj Revolutionary Court to ten months in prison along with additional penalties.

Naser Rajab has previously faced security-related persecution and arrest.

Over the past decade, the Iranian Bahá’í community has been disproportionately targeted by Iran’s security forces and judiciary, more than any other minority group. In the past three years, an average of 72 percent of the reports on religious rights violations collected by HRANA have documented the Iranian regime’s repression of the Bahá’í community.

Aminollah Koushkbaghi, a Baha’i Citizen, Arrested in Gonbad-e Kavus

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News, Religious Minorities
Aminollah Koushkbaghi, Arvin Avezpour, Baha'i citizen, Gonbad-e Kavus, HRANA

HRANA – Aminollah Koushkbaghi, a Baha’i citizen residing in Gonbad-e Kavus, was arrested by security forces on Wednesday, November 12, and transferred to an undisclosed location.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Koushkbaghi, 69, was arrested on Wednesday, November 12, by security forces. Five days after his arrest, efforts by his family and relatives to obtain information about his fate have so far been unsuccessful.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding his whereabouts, the reasons for his arrest, or the charges brought against him.

Around the time of this arrest, another Baha’i citizen in Gonbad-e Kavus, Arvin Avezpour, was also arrested by security forces and transferred to an undisclosed location.

Over the past decade, the Iranian Bahá’í community has been disproportionately targeted by Iran’s security forces and judiciary—more than any other minority group. In the past three years, an average of 72 percent of the reports on religious rights violations collected by HRANA have documented the Iranian regime’s repression of the Bahá’í community.

Gonbad-e Kavus: Baha’i Citizen Arvin Avazpour Arrested and Held Incommunicado

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News, Religious Minorities
Arvin Avazpour, Baha'i citizen, Gonbad-e Kavus, آروین عوض پور

HRANA – On Wednesday, November 12, Arvin Avazpour, a Baha’i citizen residing in Gonbad-e Kavus, was arrested by security forces and transferred to an undisclosed location. At the same time, his home was searched by the agents.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Avazpour was arrested by security forces at his workplace. After detaining him, the agents took him to his home and searched the premises. During the search, they confiscated several books, mostly related to the Baha’i faith, as well as his mobile phone.

Five days after his arrest, efforts by his family and relatives to obtain information about his fate have remained unsuccessful.

Arvin Avazpour, 45, is a father of two and a resident of Gonbad-e Kavus.

Over the past decade, the Iranian Bahá’í community has been disproportionately targeted by Iran’s security forces and judiciary, more than any other minority group. In the past three years, an average of 72 percent of the reports on religious rights violations collected by HRANA have documented the Iranian regime’s repression of the Bahá’í community.

Farhad Fahandej, a Baha’i Citizen, Arrested in Gorgan

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, Farhad Fahandej, Gorgan, HRANA, حمید فرهادی

HRANA – On Wednesday, November 12, Farhad Fahandej, a Baha’i citizen residing in Gorgan, was arrested by security forces and taken to an undisclosed location. At the same time, his home was searched by the agents.

According to HRANA, eight security officers carried out the arrest at Mr. Fahandej’s residence. During the search, several personal items, including his books and photographs, were confiscated.

A source close to the family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “The agents only showed Mr. Fahandej, who was home alone at the time, a warrant to search the house. Later, when his wife and children returned, they were threatened and interrogated by the agents.”

As of now, no information is available regarding the reasons for his arrest, the charges against him, or his place of detention.

Farhad Fahandej, aged approximately 66, living in Gorgan, has previously faced arrest and judicial persecution due to his faith.

Over the past decade, the Iranian Bahá’í community has been disproportionately targeted by Iran’s security forces and judiciary, more than any other minority group. In the past three years, an average of 72 percent of the reports on religious rights violations collected by HRANA have documented the Iranian regime’s repression of the Bahá’í community.

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Baha’i Citizen Venus Maghsoudi Arrested in Urmia

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, Urmia, Venus Maghsoudi, ونوس مقصودی

HRANA – Yesterday, November 11, Venus Maghsoudi, a Baha’i citizen residing in Urmia, was arrested by security forces at her home and taken to an undisclosed location. During the arrest, the agents searched the residence and confiscated some of her personal belongings as well as the mobile phones of her guests.

According to a source close to Maghsoudi’s family confirmed the arrest, stating: “This morning, several officers from the Urmia Intelligence Department entered Ms. Maghsoudi’s home and arrested her using violence.”

HRANA has learned that, in addition to searching her residence, the officers also searched the home of Ms. Maghsoudi’s mother, who lives downstairs and is currently ill and under medical treatment.

There is still no information about the charges against Ms. Maghsoudi or her current whereabouts.

Venus Maghsoudi, a Baha’i citizen living in Urmia, is the mother of two children, aged three and eleven.

Over the past decade, the Iranian Bahá’í community has been disproportionately targeted by Iran’s security forces and judiciary, more than any other minority group. In the past three years, an average of 72 percent of the reports on religious rights violations collected by HRANA have documented the Iranian regime’s repression of the Bahá’í community.

Mahnoush Abdollahi Sentenced to Prison by Appeals Court

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News, Religious Minorities
Adelabad Prison, Mahnoush Abdollahi, مهنوش عبداللهی

HRANA – Mahnoush Abdollahi, a resident of Shiraz, has been sentenced to nine years in prison by the Fars Province Court of Appeals, with six years of the sentence suspended.

According to HRANA, Ms. Abdollahi received a total prison sentence of nine years from the appeals court. Based on the verdict, she was sentenced to two years of imprisonment and four years suspended imprisonment on the charge of cultural, media, and promotional activities in support of the Israeli regime; one year in prison for propaganda against the regime; and two years of suspended imprisonment for insulting the sacred.

In the initial trial, Branch 1 of the Shiraz Revolutionary Court had sentenced her to five years in prison for cultural, media, and promotional activities in support of the Israeli regime, and one year in prison for propaganda against the regime.

In a separate part of her case, the Criminal Court sentenced her to two years of suspended imprisonment for insulting the sacred.

Ms. Abdollahi was arrested on July 2, 2025, and later released on July 14, 2025, from Adelabad Prison in Shiraz after posting bail of 2.5 billion tomans.

Mahnoush Abdollahi is 42 years old and resides in Shiraz.

Over the past decade, the Iranian Bahá’í community has been disproportionately targeted by Iran’s security forces and judiciary, more than any other minority group. In the past three years, an average of 72 percent of the reports on religious rights violations collected by HRANA have documented the Iranian regime’s repression of the Bahá’í community.

Leila Adalati, Baha’i Citizen, Arrested

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News, Religious Minorities
HRANA, irgc, Leila Adalati, Leila Edalati, Shiraz

HRANA – On Saturday, November 8, Leila Adalati (Bangaleh), a Baha’i citizen residing in Shiraz, was arrested by intelligence agents of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and taken to an undisclosed location. At the same time, her home was searched by security agents.

Based on the information obtained by HRANA, Ms. Adalati was arrested at her private residence on Saturday, November 8, by IRGC intelligence agents. Her home was searched for more than four hours, during which a number of her personal belongings were confiscated.

So far, no information has been made available regarding the reasons for her arrest, the location of her detention, or the charges brought against her.

Leila Adalati (Bangaleh) is a Baha’i citizen residing in Shiraz.

Over the past decade, the Iranian Bahá’í community has been disproportionately targeted by Iran’s security forces and judiciary, more than any other minority group. In the past three years, an average of 72 percent of the reports on religious rights violations collected by HRANA have documented the Iranian regime’s repression of the Bahá’í community.

Baha’i Citizen Anisa Fanaeian Re-Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison After Retrial

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News, Religious Minorities
Anisa Fanaeian, Ataollah Rezvani, Baha'i citizen, انیسا فنائیان

HRANA – The prison sentence of Anisa Fanaeian, a Baha’i citizen, remained unchanged after the Supreme Court accepted her request for a retrial and referred the case to a parallel appellate branch. Branch 10 of the Semnan Province Court of Appeals has again sentenced her to eight years in prison.

Based on information received by HRANA, despite the Supreme Court’s acceptance of her retrial request, the parallel branch of the Semnan Court of Appeals has reissued the previous eight-year prison sentence against Ms. Fanaeian.

Anisa Fanaeian, who had previously served a prison term, was arrested in late August 2023 by security forces and released on bail some time later.

Earlier, in March 2024, the Semnan Revolutionary Court had sentenced her at the first instance to 10 years in prison for “forming a group with the intention of disrupting national security,” five years for “educational or promotional activities deemed deviant and contrary to Islam within the framework of a sect, group, or association,” a fine of 50 million tomans, and 15 years of deprivation of social rights (grade five). She was also sentenced to one year in prison for “propaganda against the regime.” Additionally, $4,350 -personal family property confiscated from her daughter’s room – was seized by the government.

In December 2024, Branch 7 of the Semnan Court of Appeals, presided over by Judge Javad Raisi and counselor Ali Momeni, sentenced her to seven years in prison on the charge of “forming a group with the intention of disrupting national security,” and to one year in prison for “propaganda against the regime.” Applying Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the longest sentence, seven years, was enforceable.

On March 11, 2025, Ms. Fanaeian was arrested by security forces on a street in Semnan to serve her prison sentence and was transferred to Semnan Prison.

On October 2, 2025, following the Supreme Court’s acceptance of her retrial request, Anisa Fanaeian was released from Semnan Prison after posting bail.

It should be noted that Anisa Fanaeian is the niece of Ataollah Rezvani. As previously reported by HRANA, eleven years after the killing of Ataollah Rezvani, a Baha’i citizen, Branch One of the Juvenile Criminal Court of Hormozgan Province confirmed the occurrence of intentional homicide but rejected the family’s request for diyah (blood money) from the public fund (Beyt al-Mal) on the grounds of the victim’s Baha’i faith.

Shahram Fallah, Baha’i Citizen, Sentenced to Imprisonment and Exile

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News, Religious Minorities
Kerman, Kerman prison, Shahram Fallah, شهرام فلاح

HRANA – Shahram Fallah, a 64-year-old Baha’i citizen currently held in Kerman Prison, has been sentenced by Branch 1 of the Kerman Revolutionary Court to 13 years, 6 months, and 2 days in prison, along with one year of exile in Birjand County.

According to the verdict, Mr. Fallah received 7 years, 6 months, and 1 day in prison for allegedly conducting educational and proselytizing activities deemed “deviant and contrary to Islamic law” through “false religious claims” and “organizational ties with foreign entities.” He was also sentenced to 6 years and 1 day in prison for forming a group with the intent to disrupt national security.

Mr. Fallah was arrested on August 18, 2025, by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence at his home and subsequently transferred to Kerman Prison. During the arrest, security agents confiscated mobile phones belonging to his family members and guests, as well as several of his religious books and images.

A long-time target of state repression, Shahram Fallah has previously faced arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment due to his Baha’i faith.