Category: Religious Minorities

Baha’i Citizen Faraz Razavian Sentenced to Prison and Other Penalties

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News, Religious Minorities
Faraz Razavian, Mojgan Samimi

Faraz Razavian, a Baha’i citizen, has been sentenced by the Rasht Revolutionary Court to two years and one day in prison, along with a fine and social restrictions.

According to the verdict from Branch 3 of the Rasht Revolutionary Court, Razavian has been sentenced to two years and one day of imprisonment, a fine of 80 million Tomans (approximately $1,500), and five years of deprivation of social rights.

A source close to Razavian’s family confirmed to HRANA that he had not been previously arrested or interrogated. The source explained that during a recent trial for Razavian’s mother, Mojgan Samimi, at the same court, Faraz Razavian was unexpectedly named as a defendant. Both Razavian and his mother were sentenced for engaging in educational activities and promoting the Baha’i faith. After Razavian’s lawyer requested a separate hearing, the court convened again but reissued the same sentence.

Baha’is are subjected to violations of their religious rights, comprising 82% of reports on infringements against religious minorities, according to HRA’s 2023 annual report.

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.

Baha’i Citizen Ataollah Zafar Returns to Evin Prison After Six-Month Suspension

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News, Religious Minorities
Ataollah Zafar, HRANA, Iman Afshari

Ataollah Zafar, an 80-year-old Baha’i citizen, returned to Evin Prison yesterday to serve the remainder of his two-year sentence, following a six-month suspension of his prison term.

According to HRANA, Mr. Zafar was taken back to Evin Prison on Wednesday, October 2, to complete his sentence after the temporary halt.

Zafar was first arrested by security forces on May 1, 2022. Shortly after his arrest, he was transferred from The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility (Ward 209 of Evin Prison) to the prison’s general ward.

In July 2023, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, under Judge Iman Afshari, sentenced Zafar to five years in prison for “membership in illegal groups aimed at disrupting national security.” The sentence was later reduced to two years by Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals.

Zafar has a history of previous arrests and convictions. He was released on bail from Evin Prison on October 29, 2022, after his sentence was suspended. In March 2023, his case was closed as part of a pardon.

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.

Mahboob Habibi, a Baha’i Citizen from Shiraz, Arrested and Charged

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News, Religious Minorities
HRANA, Mahboob Habibi, Negar Misaghian, Shiraz, محبوب حبیبی, نگار میثاقیان

On Saturday, September 28, Mahboob Habibi, a Baha’i citizen residing in Shiraz, was arrested by security forces and transferred to the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in the city, known as House No 100.

A source close to Habibi’s family confirmed to HRANA: “Mahboob Habibi was arrested in the presence of his two-year-old child by security forces and transferred to the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Shiraz.”

The following day, on Sunday, September 29, Habibi was formally charged during an interrogation at the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office with accusations including “propaganda against the regime.”

Mahboob Habibi and his wife, Negar Misaghian, have previously been arrested and faced legal action due to their religious beliefs and activities.

Retrial of 15 Baha’i Women in Isfahan Revolutionary Court on Charges of Educational and Promotional Activities Against Islamic Law

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News, Religious Minorities
Azita Rezvani-Khah, Baha'i citizens, Baharestan, Bashra Motahar, Farkhandeh Rezvan Pay, Firoozeh Rastinejad, Isfahan, Maryam Khorsandi, Mojdeh Bahamin, Mojgan Pourshafe Ardestani, Nasrin Khademi Qahfarrokh, Nooshin Hemmat, Roya Azad Khosh, Samira Shakib, Sanaz Rasteh, Sara Shakib, Sholeh Ashouri, Shurangiz Bahamin

Fifteen Baha’i citizens from Baharestan, Isfahan, have once again been tried in the First Branch of the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan. Previously, this case had been returned from the Isfahan Court of Appeals to the Revolutionary Court for correction of deficiencies.

The retrial session took place today, Wednesday, September 25, 2024, in the First Branch of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court. Those on trial include Mojgan Pourshafe Ardestani, Nasrin Khademi Qahfarrokh, Azita Rezvani-Khah, Sholeh Ashouri, Mojdeh Bahamin, Bashra Motahar, Sara Shakib, Samira Shakib, Roya Azad Khosh, Nooshin Hemmat, Shurangiz Bahamin, Sanaz Rasteh, Maryam Khorsandi, Farkhandeh Rezvan Pay, and Firoozeh Rastinejad, all of whom are Baha’i citizens residing in Isfahan. They are facing charges of “educational/promotional activities against Islamic law.”

This case was initially sent to the Court of Appeals after a verdict was issued in the First Branch of the Revolutionary Court a few weeks ago. However, the Court of Appeals identified flaws and returned the case to the Revolutionary Court for corrections.

In late May 2024, these fifteen Baha’i women were sentenced by the same branch to five years of imprisonment, paying a fine, five years of deprivation from social services, and a two-year travel ban, all for the same charges of “educational/promotional activities against Islamic law.”

Among these individuals, Roya Azad Khosh, Azita Rezvani-Khah, Sara Shakib, Sanaz Rasteh, Sholeh Ashouri, Shurangiz Bahamin, Firoozeh Rastinejad, Maryam Khorsandi, Mojgan Pourshafe, Nasrin Khademi, and Nooshin Hemmat were arrested in 2021 and later released on bail.

Additionally, the homes of Bahamin, Rezvan Pay, Motahhar, and Samira Shakib had previously been searched by security forces.

Baha’is are subjected to violations of their religious rights, comprising 82% of reports on infringements against religious minorities, according to HRA’s 2023 annual report.

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.

 

Baha’is Shahin Mavaddat and Soodabeh Mahdinzhad Arrested in Gorgan

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i faith, Bahais, Gorgan, HRANA, Shahin Mavaddat, Soodabeh Mahdinzhad, Soodabeh Mehdinejad

On Monday, September 23, 2024, Baháʼí couple Shahin Mavaddat and Soodabeh Mahdinzhad, residents of Gorgan, were arrested by security forces at their home and taken to an undisclosed location. The agents also conducted a thorough search of their residence, seizing multiple electronic devices and religious books.

A source close to the family confirmed to HRANA: “On Monday, 10 Ministry of Intelligence agents arrived at the home of Shahin Mavaddat and Soodabeh Mahdinzhad with a search and arrest warrant. They detained the couple following a two-hour search, during which they confiscated mobile phones, personal electronic devices, Baháʼí religious texts, and the home’s CCTV system.”

The source added that security forces also examined the electronic devices of other family members. During the entire search, the agents recorded the events using three cameras.

As of now, no information has been released regarding the reasons for their arrest or their current whereabouts.

Soodabeh Mahdinzhad has a prior history of arrest and sentencing due to her religious beliefs.

Baha’is are subjected to violations of their religious rights, comprising 82% of reports on infringements against religious minorities, according to HRA’s 2023 annual report.

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.

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Amir Hossein Haghjooyan Arrested by Security Forces

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Freedom of Expression, News, Religious Minorities
Amir Hossein Haghjooyan, Dizelabad Prison, HRANA, Kermanshah, Reza Rasaei, Sahneh

On September 23, 2024, Amir Hossein Haghjooyan, a relative of Reza Rasaei, an executed protester, was arrested by security forces in Sahneh County, Kermanshah province, and transferred to an undisclosed location.

A source close to the family confirmed to HRANA: “Mr. Haghjooyan was detained by several members of IRGC Intelligence in Sahneh and moved to an unknown location.”

As of now, no details have emerged regarding the reasons for his arrest or the charges he may face.

Haghjooyan is the son of Kheirallah Haghjooyan, a member of the Yarsan Civil Activists Consultative Assembly, and a cousin and close companion of Reza Rasaei, who was executed in August 2023.

It’s important to note that Reza (Gholamreza) Rasaei, arrested during the 2022 nationwide protests, was secretly executed at dawn on August 6, 2023, in Dizelabad Prison, Kermanshah, without prior notice to his family or a final meeting with them.

Yarsanism, also known as Ahl-e Haqq, is a syncretic faith founded in western Iran during the 14th century by Sultan Sahak. As a religious minority, followers of Yarsan often face systemic persecution and harassment by Iranian authorities.

Baha’i Citizen Sepehr Naeimi Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News, Religious Minorities
Ahmad Naeimi, HRANA, Sepehr Jafari Naeimi, Yazd

Sepehr Jafari Naeimi, a Baha’i citizen from Yazd, has been sentenced in absentia to 24 months in prison by the Revolutionary Court of Yazd. The charges against him stem from his social media posts about the death of Mahsa Amini and the Baha’i faith.

In a ruling issued on September 22 by Branch 1 of the Yazd Revolutionary Court, Naeimi received an eight-month prison sentence for “propaganda against the regime” and an additional 16 months for “insulting the Supreme Leader and the founder of the Islamic Republic.”

A source close to Naeimi’s family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating, “The charges against Mr. Naeimi are based on posts shared on his Instagram page related to Mahsa Amini’s death and the Baha’i faith.”

In early 2023, Naeimi was summoned to the Tehran Prosecutor’s Office for questioning regarding his social media content and was released after interrogation. In December 2023, he was summoned again to the Yazd Prosecutor’s Office in connection with the same case and was released on bail following further questioning.

Sepehr Jafari Naeimi, 24-year-old resident of Yazd, is the son of Ahmad Naeimi, who also has faced judicial issues in the past.

Baha’i Citizen Negar Misaghian Arrested by Security Forces in Shiraz

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, Negar Misaghian, Shiraz

On Wednesday, September 18, Negar Misaghian, a Baha’i citizen residing in Shiraz, was arrested by security forces and transferred to the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Shiraz, known as House No 100.

A source close to Misaghian told HRANA, “At 1:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, September 18, several security agents came to Ms. Misaghian’s home, arrested her, and transferred her to the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Shiraz, known as House No 100. The agents also searched the premises and confiscated several personal items, including her mobile phone, laptop, and passport.”

According to information received by HRANA, Misaghian’s arrest took place while she is the mother of a two-year-old child, leaving her husband and child in a difficult situation. The reasons for Misaghian’s arrest and the charges against this Baha’i citizen remain unknown.

Negar Misaghian has previously been arrested and faced judicial actions due to her activities.

Baha’is are subjected to violations of their religious rights, comprising 82% of reports on infringements against religious minorities, according to HRA’s 2023 annual report.

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.

 

Report on the Arrest of Mozhdeh Fallahi, Christian Convert, in Shiraz

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News, Religious Minorities
Christian convert, Mozhdeh Fallahi, Shiraz

Mozhdeh (Mojdeh) Fallahi, a Christian convert, is currently detained at the Ministry of Intelligence’s facility in Shiraz, known as House No. 100, according to a report by Article 18. She was arrested on September 4 after visiting the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Shiraz.

The report details that Fallahi had gone to the prosecutor’s office to submit necessary documents for the release of a Christian friend who had been arrested the previous day. However, upon her arrival, she was immediately taken into custody and transferred to House No. 100, the detention center operated by the Ministry of Intelligence.

Fallahi faces charges related to “Christianity” and “illegal Christian activity.” Furthermore, she has been denied the right to choose her own legal representation.

While Christians are officially recognized as a religious minority in Iran, the authorities closely scrutinize Muslims who convert to Christianity and often respond harshly to those involved in Christian activities.

This crackdown on Christian converts continues in Iran despite Article 18 of both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which affirm everyone’s right to freedom of religion, including the right to change their religion and to express their beliefs individually or collectively, in public or private.

Three Baha’i Citizens Arrested in Tabriz

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News, Religious Minorities
Azam Azmoudeh, Iraj Noorseteh, Nasim Naeimi, Shiva Isakhani, Sina Aghdasi, Tabriz

On Monday, September 16, Azam Azmoudeh, a Baha’i citizen residing in Tabriz, was arrested by the Ministry of Intelligence forces. With her arrest, the number of detained Baha’i citizens in Tabriz has risen to three. Sina Aghdasi and Iraj Noorseteh were also detained on the same day.

Azam Azmoudeh was arrested at her home by Tabriz Intelligence agents, who also conducted a search of her residence, confiscating several electronic devices. The circumstances surrounding her arrest remain unclear.

In addition to these arrests, the homes of two other Baha’i citizens, Shiva Isakhani and Nasim Naeimi, were also searched by Intelligence agents. However, the agents left when they found that the two were not present at their residences.

As of now, there is no information regarding the reasons for the arrests or the charges against these Baha’i citizens.

Baha’is are subjected to violations of their religious rights, comprising 82% of reports on infringements against religious minorities, according to HRA’s 2023 annual report.

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.