Baha’i Citizen Romina Goli Sentenced to Prison and Social Restrictions

HRANA – Romina Goli, a Baha’i citizen residing in Sari, was sentenced by Branch 2 of the Sari Revolutionary Court to five years, seven months, and 16 days in prison, as well as 10 years of deprivation of social rights.

According to HRANA, Romina Goli, a Baha’i citizen, has been sentenced to prison and deprivation of social rights.

According to a verdict issued by Branch 2 of the Sari Revolutionary Court and communicated to Ms. Goli, she was sentenced to five years in prison and 10 years of deprivation of social rights on the charge of “deviant educational or proselytizing activity contrary to or disruptive of the sacred law of Islam,” under Article 500 bis of the Islamic Penal Code. She was also sentenced to seven months and 16 days in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime,” under Article 500 of the Islamic Penal Code.

Romina Goli was arrested by security forces in Sari on May 9, 2026. At the time of her arrest, her home was searched, and officers confiscated several personal digital devices and religious books related to the Baha’i Faith.

On May 10, Ms. Goli’s interrogation session was held at the Sari Prosecutor’s Office. She was subsequently released from prison on bail.

Over the past decade, Iran’s Baha’i community has faced more security and judicial actions than any other religious minority in the country. A review of HRA’s annual reports shows that, over the past three years, an average of 72% of reports concerning religious minorities have involved violations of the civil rights of Baha’is.

Romina Goli, Baha’i Citizen in Sari, Arrested and Charged

HRANA – Romina Goli, a Baha’i citizen residing in Sari, was arrested on Saturday, May 9, and her interrogation session was held yesterday at the prosecutor’s office in the city. At the conclusion of the session, a one-month temporary detention order was issued against her.

Based on information received by HRANA, Ms. Goli’s interrogation session was held on Sunday, May 10, at the Sari Prosecutor’s Office. During the session, she was charged under Article 500 and Article 500 bis of the Islamic Penal Code with “propaganda against the regime” and “propaganda activities contrary to Islamic law.”

A source familiar with the matter confirmed to HRANA: “Romina Goli was arrested yesterday by security forces in Sari. At the same time, her home was searched, and officers confiscated her personal digital devices and religious books related to the Baha’i faith.”

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding Ms. Goli’s place of detention.

Over the past decade, the Baha’i community in Iran has faced more security and judicial pressure than any other religious minority. HRA’s annual report reveals that in 2025, an average of 62.41% of reports concerning religious minorities were related to violations of the rights of Baha’i citizens.