On January 16, security forces arrested Baha’i citizen Elmira Rahmani at her home in Isfahan and took her to an undisclosed location. The agents searched the house and confiscated some of her belonging.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, on January 16, 2023, Baha’i citizen Elmira Rahmani was arrested in Isfahan.

Rahmani, age 28, is a resident of Isfahan and a professional musician.

The location where she is held and the allegation are still unknown.

According to the HRANA Annual Statistical Report of Human Rights Conditions in Iran, in 2022, 64% of the entire reports on the violation of religious minorities’ rights are about harassment, prosecution and conviction against Baha’is.

According to unofficial sources, it is estimated that more than 300,000 Baha’is live in Iran, but the Iranian Constitution recognizes only Islam as the official religion, in addition to Christianity, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism. Bahai faith is not considered legitimate by the authorities, and the rights of Baha’is in Iran have been systematically violated for years.