HRANA – Nouyan Hejazi, a Baha’i resident of Sari, was arrested after appearing at the Ministry of Intelligence office in the city to retrieve personal belongings that had previously been confiscated. During his arrest, he was reportedly beaten and, due to the injuries he sustained, was transferred to a hospital. He is currently hospitalized under the supervision of security forces.

A source familiar with the situation and close to Hejazi’s family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “Yesterday, officers from the Ministry of Intelligence in Sari contacted this Baha’i citizen and asked him to visit their office to collect several personal items that had been confiscated during his previous arrest. After he appeared at the security institution, he was arrested and subjected to violence and physical assault.”

According to the source, Mr. Hejazi sustained injuries as a result of the beating and was transferred to a hospital later that same day. He remains hospitalized under the control and supervision of security agents.

In late-Mayof this year, Nouyan Hejazi was sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of Juybar to imprisonment, a monetary fine, and deprivation of certain social rights.

On June 25 of 2025, Hejazi was arrested at his home by security forces without the presentation of a judicial warrant. He was released on bail on August 3 of the same year.

His wife, Leva Samimi, was also arrested when she went to the Kachouei Detention Center in Sari to follow up on her husband’s situation. She was released on bail some time later.

Over the past decade, the Baha’i community in Iran has faced more security-related and judicial pressure than any other religious minority in the country. According to HRA’s annual reports, an average of 62.41% of all reported violations against religious minorities during the previous calendar year involved violations of the rights of Baha’i citizens.