Category: Religious Minorities

Baha’i Citizen Sina Aghdasi Arrested in Tabriz

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News, Religious Minorities
HRANA, Sina Aghdasi, Tabriz

Sina Aghdasi, a Baha’i citizen residing in Tabriz, was arrested today, September 16, by security forces and taken to an undisclosed location.

A source close to Aghdasi’s family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating, “This morning, Mr. Aghdasi was arrested at his home by security forces. During the raid, the security forces searched the house and confiscated his and his family members’ mobile phones.”

No information is currently available regarding the reasons for Sina Aghdasi’s arrest or his place of detention.

This Baha’i citizen has previously been arrested due to his 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.

Court of Appeals Upholds Prison Sentence for Baha’i Citizen Paridokht Shojaei

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News, Religious Minorities
HRANA, Kerman Province, Paridokht Shojaei Bagheini

The Court of Appeals of Kerman Province has upheld the two-year and one-month prison sentence for Paridokht Shojaei Bagheini, a Baha’i citizen from Kerman.

The ruling, issued by Branch 7 of the Kerman Court of Appeals on September 9, confirms her sentence of two years and one month for “engaging in educational/promotional activities contrary to or disruptive of Islamic Sharia.” The verdict was delivered to Ms. Shojaei recently.

A source close to the Shojaei family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating that the Court of Appeals upheld the lower court’s decision without holding a hearing. The family plans to pursue the case in the Supreme Court.

Shojaei Bagheini was arrested in July last year at the home of another Baha’i citizen in Kerman and was released on bail in early August. Her trial, along with the cases of four other Baha’i citizens, was held in Branch 1 of the Kerman Revolutionary Court.

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 Citizens Shiva Kashani-Nejad and Mojgan Samimi Sentenced to Prison and Other Punishments

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News, Religious Minorities
Mojgan Samimi, Rasht, Shiva Kashani-Nejad

Shiva Kashani-Nejad (Samieian) and Mojgan Samimi, Baha’i citizens residing in Rasht, have been sentenced by Branch 3 of the Revolutionary Court in Rasht to two years and one day in prison, fines, and additional punishments.

Based on a ruling issued by Judge Mehdi Raskhi from Branch 3 of the Rasht Revolutionary Court, which was communicated to these citizens on Wednesday, September 4, both women were convicted of “educational activities and promoting the Baha’i faith.” Each was sentenced to two years and one day of imprisonment, a fine of 80,010,000 tomans, and five years of deprivation of social rights.

On July 19, 2023, Samimi and Kashani-Nejad (Samieian) were arrested by security forces at their homes and later released from Rasht’s Lakan Prison in August of that year on bail.

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 Latest Status of Iman Salehi, a Christian Convert in Sheiban Prison, Ahvaz

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News, Prisoners, Religious Minorities
ahvaz, Ahvaz Revolutionary court, Bijan Gholizadeh, Esmaeil Narimanpour, Farshad Arzan Barzin, Hamid Afzali, Houshang Bagheri, HRANA, Iman Salehi, Nasrollah Mousavi, Sheiban Prison, Yasin Mousavi, Zohrab Shahbazi Nejad

Christian convert Iman Salehi is currently serving his sentence in Sheiban Prison, Ahvaz. He was previously sentenced by the Revolutionary Court to five years in prison and paying a fine.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Salehi was arrested by security forces on December 24, 2024. Later, in late June of this year, he was sentenced by Branch 2 of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Fathinia, to five years in prison and a fine of 50 million tomans for “propaganda against the regime through promoting Zionist Christianity.” This Christian convert suffers from gum infection and has been denied specialized medical care in Sheiban Prison.

A source informed HRANA, “Iman Salehi, along with eight other Christian converts—Yasin Mousavi, Esmaeil Narimanpour, Hamid Afzali, Zohrab Shahbazi Nejad, Bijan Gholizadeh, Nasrollah Mousavi, Houshang Bagheri, and Farshad Arzan Barzin—are involved in a joint case. These individuals were separately arrested at the same time as Mr. Salehi and were later released on bail of 700 million tomans each, pending their appeal hearing. However, Iman Salehi remains in prison due to financial inability to post bail.”

The court session addressing their charges was held on May 27, 2024, in Branch 2 of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court. Shortly after, the sentences for these Christian converts were issued. Following an appeal, their case has been referred to Branch 16 of the Appeals Court.

It is worth noting that Bijan Gholizadeh passed away in a car accident on August 24, 2024, on the Boroujen road in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province.

Iman Salehi, 38, the father of one child, and resides in Ahvaz. Before his arrest, he worked as a farmer.

While Christians are legally recognized as a religious minority in Iran, the conversion of Muslims to Christianity is closely monitored by security agencies, often resulting in severe repercussions for those involved.

This persecution persists despite Article 18 of both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantee the right to freedom of religion, including the right to change one’s faith and to practice it individually or collectively, publicly or privately.

Detention Order for Baha’i Citizen Nahid Behroozi Extended

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News, Prisoners, Religious Minorities
Alborz province, Baha'i citizen, HRANA, Kachooie Prison, Nahid Behroozi

Nahid Behroozi (Forouhari), a Baha’i citizen, remains in a state of uncertainty in Kachooie Prison, Karaj, 26 days after her arrest. Today, her detention order was extended for another week.

A source close to Behroozi’s family confirmed to HRANA: “Today, Ms. Behroozi’s detention order was extended for another week. Despite 25 days having passed since her arrest, she remains in a state of uncertainty in Kachooie Prison, Karaj.”
This Baha’i citizen was transferred to Kachooie Prison, Karaj, on August 15th after completing interrogation at The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility.

Behroozi was arrested by the Ministry of Intelligence agents at her home in Fardis, Alborz province, on Monday, July 29, 2024.

The reasons for Behroozi’s arrest and the charges against her remain unknown.

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Mazaher Heydari Continues Hunger Strike in Shahr-e Kord Prison

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News, Prisoners, Religious Minorities
Gonabadi Dervish, HRANA, Mazaher Heydari, Shahr-e Kord, Shahrekord, مظاهر حیدری

Mazaher Heydari, a Gonabadi Dervish currently imprisoned in Shahr-e Kord, has been on a hunger strike for over 12 days and has been denied the right to make phone calls to his family.

A source close to Heydari’s family confirmed to HRANA, “Mr. Heydari began his hunger strike on Saturday, August 10, in protest against the 40-month prison sentence issued against him. Since then, the authorities have deprived him of phone calls to his family, and in protest, he has sewn his lips shut.”

In June of this year, Heydari was arrested by security forces in Shahr-e Kord and later transferred to the city’s prison. That same month, he was sentenced in absentia by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Shahr-e Kord, presided over by Judge Balanian, to a total of 40 months in prison on charges of “disturbing public opinion,” “propaganda against the regime,” and “assembly and collusion against national security.” Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the most severe sentence, 32 months in prison, will be enforced.

Mazaher Heydari has previously faced legal actions due to his activities.

The Gonabadi Dervishes (Darvishes) are members of a Sufi Muslim community in Iran, known for their spiritual practices and emphasis on mysticism. Despite their peaceful beliefs, the Gonabadi Dervishes have faced increasing persecution by the Iranian regime, which views their independence and religious practices as a threat to the state’s control over religious expression. Over the years, many members of this community have been subjected to arrests, imprisonment, and harassment, with their leaders often targeted by the authorities.

Three Baha’i Citizens Sentenced to Prison and Other Penalties on Appeal

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News, Religious Minorities
Ahmad Ganjali Darani, Arash Nabavi, Arshia Rouhani, Baha'i citizens, Hamid Monzavi, HRANA

Arshia Rouhani, Hamid Monzavi, and Arash Nabavi, Baha’i citizens residing in Isfahan, have been sentenced by the province’s Appeals Court to two years in prison each, along with fines and additional penalties.

The ruling, issued by Branch 37 of the Isfahan Appeals Court under the presidency of Ahmad Ganjali Darani, sentences each of these Baha’i citizens to two years in prison, a fine of 24 million tomans, and a two-year ban on leaving the country and engaging in online activities. A source close to the family of one of these Baha’i citizens confirmed the news to HRANA, stating that the appeal hearing took place earlier this month in the mentioned branch.

Previously, Arshia Rouhani and Hamid Monzavi Joshaghani had been sentenced by Branch 1 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court to five years in prison each, a fine of 50 million tomans, a two-year ban on online activities and leaving the country, and the confiscation of their assets. Mr. Nabavi had also been sentenced by the same branch to ten years in prison, a fine, confiscation of assets, and other additional penalties.

Arash Nabavi, approximately 38 years old, was arrested in August of last year and released after two months on bail.

In September of last year, two businesses owned by Rouhani and Monzavi in Isfahan were sealed by the Ministry of Intelligence but were reopened after a month. On October 30, 2023, Rouhani and Monzavi were summoned and arrested by Branch 13 of the Isfahan Public Prosecutor’s Office. They were released the next day on 300 million toman bail. Rouhani had previously faced legal action due to his 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.

Isfahan: Indictment Issued for Ten Baha’i Women

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News, Religious Minorities
Arezoo Sobhanian, Bahareh Lotfi, Isfahan, Mojgan Shahrezaie, Neda Badakhsh, Neda Emadi, Negin Khademi, Parastoo Hakim, Shana Shoughifar, Yeganeh Agahi, Yeganeh Roohbakhsh

The indictment for ten Baha’i women residing in Isfahan, including Neda Badakhsh, Arezoo Sobhanian, Yeganeh Roohbakhsh, Mojgan Shahrezaie, Parastoo Hakim, Yeganeh Agahi, Bahareh Lotfi, Shana Shoughifar, Negin Khademi, and Neda Emadi, has been issued by the city’s Prosecutor’s Office.

The charges against Neda Badakhsh, 60, Arezou Sobhaniyan, 48, Yeganeh Roohbakhsh, 20, Mojgan Shahrezaei, 32, Parastoo Hakim, 47, Yeganeh Agahi, 31, Bahareh Lotfi, 27, Shana Shoughifar, 27, Negin Khademi, 34, and Neda (Shahla) Emadi, 42, include “propaganda against the regime” and “engaging in propaganda/educational activities against Sharia of Islam.”

These ten Baha’i women were arrested by security forces on October 23, 2023, and released on bail from Dolatabad Prison in Isfahan at different times over two months. Among there people, Yeganeh Agahi has a previous record of arrest.

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 Matin Fahandej Saadi Arrested by Security Forces

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News, Religious Minorities
Kerman, Matin Fahandej Saadi

On August 5, 34 years old Matin Fahandej Saadi, a Baha’i citizen residing in Kerman, was arrested by IRGC intelligence of the city and transferred to an unknown location.

A source close to the family confirmed this news to HRANA and said: “Matin Fahandej Saadi was arrested at his father’s workplace by the IRGC intelligence forces of Kerman. The security forces then went to his business, a pet boarding house, searched the place, and confiscated some personal belongings and CCTV cameras.”

The source added: “Despite the family’s efforts to follow up on Matin’s status at the local police station, Kerman’s Judicial Branch No. 5, and the IRGC intelligence office in Kerman, they have not received any information regarding the reasons for his arrest or his whereabouts. Judge Hadi Khalooie is in charge of this Baha’i citizen’s case and has issued a 48-hour detention order. The Kerman prosecutor’s office informed the family that they need to wait until August 10 for the case to be registered and then follow up on Matin Fahandej Saadi’s status. Matin has only had one brief phone call with his family since his arrest.”

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 Nahid Behroozi Arrested

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News, Religious Minorities
Alborz province, Bahais, Fardis County, Nahid Behroozi, ناهید بهروزی

On July 29, the Ministry of Intelligence arrested Nahid Behroozi (Forouhari), a Baha’i citizen residing in Fardis County, Alborz Province. They also searched her residence and confiscated several of her personal belongings.

A source close to this citizen’s family confirmed the news to HRANA, saying: “Ms. Behroozi was arrested today, Monday, July 29, 2024, by Ministry of Intelligence agents at her home. The agents also searched her home and confiscated several items, including her mobile phone, laptop, and computer.”

So far, the reasons for her arrest and the charges against Ms. Behroozi have not been disclosed.

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.