Category: Religious Minorities

Seven Christian Converts Sentenced to Imprisonment

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News, Religious Minorities
Bijan Gholizadeh, Christian converts, Hamid Afzali, Iman Salehi, Nasrollah Mousavi, Zohrab Shahbazi

Hamid Afzali, Nasrollah Mousavi, Bijan Gholizadeh, Iman Salehi, Zohrab Shahbazi, along with two other Christian converts whose identities are unknown, were collectively sentenced to 29 years and 9 months in prison by the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court, according to Article Eighteen.

Afzali was sentenced to 10 years in prison, while Nasrollah Mousavi, Bijan Gholizadeh, and Iman Salehi each received 5 years. Zohrab Shahbazi was sentenced to 9 months. The report also states that the two other Christian converts, whose identities are unknown, were each sentenced to 2 years in prison.

The report does not mention the charges brought against these citizens.

Despite the fact that Christians are recognized as a religious minority under Islamic law, the security services pursue the issue of Muslims converting to Christianity with particular sensitivity and deal harshly with those who convert to Christianity.

The persecution of Christian converts is a blatant violation of Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which state that every individual has the right to freedom of religion and belief, including the freedom to express their faith openly or privately.

Christian Convert Yasin Mousavi Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison

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News, Religious Minorities
ahvaz, Izeh, Sheiban Prison, Yasin Mousavi, یاسین موسوی

Yasin Mousavi, a Christian convert, has been sentenced to fifteen years in prison by the Revolutionary Court of Ahvaz, as reported by Mohabat News.

Based on the verdict issued by the third branch of the Revolutionary Court of Ahvaz, presided over by Judge Fathinia, and communicated to Mr. Mousavi, he has been sentenced to fifteen years in prison on charges including “membership in groups aimed at disrupting national security” and “propaganda against the regime through promoting Zionist Christianity.”

Mousavi was previously arrested on December 24, 2023, along with several other Christian converts in the city of Izeh. After enduring twenty days of solitary confinement at the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, he was transferred to Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz. Mousavi was released on bail from Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz on April 30, 2024.

Mousavi has a history of previous arrests and imprisonment in October 2017, April 2021, and November 2022.

Despite the fact that Christians are recognized as a religious minority under Islamic law, the security services pursue the issue of Muslims converting to Christianity with particular sensitivity and deal harshly with those who convert to Christianity.

The persecution of Christian converts is a blatant violation of Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which state that every individual has the right to freedom of religion and belief, including the freedom to express their faith openly or privately.

Appellate Court Confirms Sentences for Three Baha’i Women in Shiraz

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News, Religious Minorities
Adelabad Prison, Bahraeh Ghaderi, HRANA, Roksana Vojdani, Sahar Mohebpour, Setareh Ta'ami, Shiraz

The Appellate Court of Fars Province has confirmed the five-year sentences and additional penalties for three Baha’i residents of Shiraz, Sahar Mohebpour, Roksana Vojdani, and Setareh Taami.

A source close to the families of the women informed HRANA that on June 5, Branch 37 of the Appellate Court, led by Judge Kamran Zareh, upheld the convictions. The charges include “assembly and collusion against national security” and “propaganda against the regime.” The women are sentenced to five years of house arrest, during which they must wear ankle monitors and are restricted to a 1-kilometer radius around their homes. Furthermore, they face a 15-year ban on social services, a two-year travel ban, and a two-year restriction on online activities.

In September 2023, the Ministry of Intelligence arrested these women along with another Baha’i woman, Bahraeh Ghaderi, in Shiraz. They were subsequently released on bail from Adelabad Prison, pending the outcome of their legal proceedings.

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.

Two Yarsani Brothers Detained in Kermanshah

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News, Religious Minorities
Ahl-e Haqq, Khalil Alinejad, Pourya Mennati, Shoja Mennati, Yarsanism

On June 12, 2024, Shoja and Pourya Mennati Menjegh-Tapeh, adherents of the Yarsanism faith, were arrested by security forces in Kermanshah.

According to reports from Kurdpa, they were transferred to a detention facility operated by the Ministry of Intelligence in the area. The brothers, who had been serving their sentences under house arrest, were taken into custody during their routine daily check-in at Cheshmeh-Sefid Prison.

Previously, in October-November 2022, they were arrested during the 21st annual ceremony honoring Seyed Khalil Alinejad, a revered Yarsan figure. The Kermanshah Criminal Court subsequently sentenced them to one year in prison and 74 lashes for “disturbing public order.”

Yarsanism, also known as Ahl-e Haqq, is a syncretic religion that originated in western Iran during the late 14th century under the leadership of Sultan Sahak. As a religious minority, Yarsan followers often face intimidation and persecution at the hands of the security and judicial systems of the regime.

Five Baha’i Citizens in Kerman Face Social Deprivations and Fines Following Court Ruling

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News, Religious Minorities
Behnam Pour-Ahmadi, Foad Shaker Arkani, Paridokht Shojaei, Shahram Fallah, Yekta Fallah

The Revolutionary Court in Kerman has issued sentences involving social deprivations and fines against five Baha’i individuals: Yekta Fallah, Foad Shaker Arkani, Behnam Pour-Ahmadi, Shahram Fallah, and Paridokht Shojaei Baghini.

A source close to one of the affected families confirmed the court’s decision, stating: “Foad Shaker Arkani, Behnam Pour-Ahmadi, Shahram Fallah, and Paridokht Shojaei were cleared of charges related to ‘propaganda against the regime.’ However, they received sentences of suspended social deprivations for five years. Yekta Fallah was specifically sentenced to one year of social deprivation and fined 50 million tomans as an alternative to a prison term of two years and one month.

These individuals were initially detained in July 2023 during a raid at Shahram Fallah’s home. Security forces searched the premises and their vehicles, confiscating various personal items. The detainees were subsequently released on bail within two months.

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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Sunni Cleric Besmellah Khogiani Arrested in Zahedan

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News, Religious Minorities
Besmellah Khogiani, HRANA, Zahedan, بسم الله خوگیانی

On Saturday, June 8th, Besmellah Khogiani, a Sunni cleric, was detained by security forces in Zahedan and taken to an undisclosed location.

A source close to the cleric confirmed the arrest to HRANA, stating, “This Sunni cleric was arrested at his home by the agents from the Ministry of Intelligence on Saturday, and has been taken to an unknown location.”
The reasons for his arrest, the charges, and his whereabouts are unknown at the time of this writing.

Molavi Besmellah Khogiani, who serves as the Imam of Friday prayer at Siddiqi Mosque in Karimabad, Zahedan, has previously been arrested.

Baha’i Tahereh Nowrouzi Arrested in Shiraz

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News, Religious Minorities
Bahais, Shiraz, Tahereh Nowrouzi

On Sunday, June 9th, Tahereh Nowruzi, a Baha’i resident of Shiraz, was detained by security forces and relocated to an undisclosed location.

A source close to Nowruzi’s family confirmed the incident to HRANA, reporting: “This morning, Sunday, security agents stormed Nowruzi’s home and took her into custody. During the raid, they also conducted a search and seized several of her personal belongings, including her mobile phone, laptop, books, and photographs.”
The source further noted, “Tahereh is the mother of two young children, ages 6 and 2. With her husband residing in a different city, her arrest has severely impacted her children’s well-being.”

Currently, the reasons for Nowruzi’s arrest and details of her detention remain undisclosed.

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.

Christian Convert Esmaeil Narimanpour Sentenced to Five Years in Prison

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News, Religious Minorities
ahvaz, Dezful, Esmaeil Narimanpour, Payam Rahaee Church, اسماعیل نریمان پور

Esmaeil Narimanpour, a Christian convert, has been sentenced to five years in prison by the Revolutionary Court of Ahvaz, as reported by Mohabat News.

Narimanpour was charged with “acting against national security through association with Zionist-Christian organizations.”

Narimanpour was initially arrested by security forces in Dezful county on December 24, 2023, and subsequently released on bail from Sheiban Prison, Ahvaz, in April 2024. During his arrest, security personnel conducted an extensive search and seized several of his possessions. Furthermore, on the day of his arrest, his wife and brother were detained and interrogated for hours at the Ministry of Intelligence Office in Ahvaz, but were later released after signing a commitment letter.

Narimanpour is affiliated with the Payam Rahaee Church and has previously been arrested for his non-violent religious activities. Despite Christians being legally recognized as a religious minority in Iran, there remains persistent surveillance and interference in their religious practices by security forces, particularly targeting Christian converts.

It is crucial to emphasize that such actions stand in blatant violation of Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. These international instruments affirm the right of everyone to freedom of religion, the freedom to change their religion or belief, and the freedom to express these beliefs individually or collectively, openly or in private.

Baha’i Resident Detained Without Legal Justification in Bukan

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News, Religious Minorities
Agah Sadeghi, Bahai arrested, Bahais, Bukan

Agah Sadeghi, a Baha’i living in Bukan, West Azerbaijan province, has been detained for over three weeks amid legal uncertainty. His family remains uninformed about his condition, heightening their worries.

A source close to Sadeghi’s family confirmed to HRANA that he was arrested by security forces in Bukan three weeks ago. Despite repeated inquiries, Sadeghi’s family has received no information regarding his whereabouts or condition, intensifying their concerns. Following his arrest, security agents also raided his home, conducting a thorough search and confiscating personal items belonging to him and his family.

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.

Two Baha’is Detained in Rasht

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'is arrested, HRANA, Nazila Khanipour, Rasht, Vesal Heravi

On May 28, 2024, IRGC Intelligence agents arrested Nazila Khanipour and her son Vesal Heravi, both Baha’i residents of Rasht, and took them to an undisclosed location.

A source close to the family confirmed the arrests to HRANA. The agents raided Khanipour’s home, searched the premises, confiscated personal items, and detained her without presenting an arrest warrant. Concurrently, Heravi was arrested at his workplace. He managed to make a brief phone call to his family.
Previously, Khanipour had been arrested, and Heravi was expelled from the university by order of intelligence agencies.

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.