Category: Religious Minorities

Baha’i Citizen Faranak Zabihi Sentenced to Prison

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, Faranak Zabihi, HRANA, Qaemshahr, فرانک ذبیحی

HRANA – Faranak Zabihi, a Baha’i citizen, has been sentenced by the Qaemshahr Revolutionary Court to two years in prison and a two-year deprivation of social rights.

According to HRANA, Faranak Zabihi has been sentenced to imprisonment and deprivation of social rights.

Based on information received by HRANA, this Baha’i citizen was sentenced by Reza Majazi, a judge at the Qaemshahr Revolutionary Court, to two years and one day of imprisonment and a two-year deprivation of social rights on the charge of “propaganda against the regime through promoting the Baha’i Faith.”

Ms. Zabihi’s court hearing was held on August 3, 2026, and the aforementioned verdict was issued on August 10, 2026.

Faranak Zabihi Mahforujaki, a Baha’i citizen residing in Qaemshahr, was arrested by security forces on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. She was released one day later from Tir Kola Prison in Sari after posting bail. Her arrest was accompanied by a search of her home, during which a number of personal and electronic belongings belonging to her and members of her family were confiscated.

Over the past decade, Iran’s Baha’i community has faced more security and judicial actions than any other religious minority. A review of HRA’s annual reports indicates that, over the past year, an average of 62.41% of reports concerning religious minorities involved violations of the civil rights of Baha’is.

Three Sunni Brothers Arrested in Shadegan

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News, Religious Minorities
Bagher Shaverdi, Fouad Shaverdi, IRGC Intelligence, Jihad Shaverdi

HRANA – On Sunday, August 9, three Sunni brothers were arrested by agents of the IRGC Intelligence in Shadegan and taken to an undisclosed location.

According to HRANA, Jihad Shaverdi, 40, Bagher Shaverdi, 28, and Fouad Shaverdi, 26, were arrested by agents of the IRGC Intelligence Organization.

The three Sunni brothers were arrested on Sunday, August 9, 2026, by IRGC Intelligence agents at their respective homes in the city of Fallahiyeh (Shadegan). Following their arrests, they were taken to an undisclosed location.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for their arrests or the charges brought against them.

Baha’i Citizen Sentenced to More Than 16 Years in Prison

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News, Religious Minorities
HRANA, Moein Mohammadi-Dehaj, Yazd

HRANA – Moein Mohammadi-Dehaj, a Baha’i resident of Yazd, has been sentenced by Branch 1 of the Yazd Revolutionary Court to 16 years, 7 months and 18 days of discretionary imprisonment, 10 years of deprivation of social rights, and permanent dismissal from government and public service.

According to HRANA, Moein Mohammadi-Dehaj, a Baha’i citizen, has been sentenced to imprisonment and additional punishments.

According to a ruling issued by Branch 1 of the Yazd Revolutionary Court and formally communicated to Mr. Mohammadi-Dehaj, he was sentenced to a total of 16 years, 7 months and 18 days in prison. In addition, as supplementary punishments, he was sentenced to 10 years of deprivation of social rights and permanent dismissal from government and public service. Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, which governs the aggregation of sentences, only the harshest sentence, 12 years, 6 months and 1 day of imprisonment, will be enforceable.

According to the details of the verdict, Mr. Mohammadi-Dehaj received:

• Seven months and 16 days of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of “propaganda against the regime,” pursuant to Article 500 of the Islamic Penal Code;

• Three years, 6 months and 1 day of discretionary imprisonment, along with 10 years of deprivation of social rights, on the charge of “deviant propaganda contrary to the sacred law of Islam through the promotion of the Baha’i faith,” pursuant to Article 500 bis of the Islamic Penal Code;

• Twelve years, 6 months and 1 day of discretionary imprisonment and permanent dismissal from government and public service on the charge of “media and propaganda activities against national security,” pursuant to Article 4 of the Law on Intensifying the Punishment for Espionage and Collaboration with Israel and Hostile States Against National Security and Interests.

According to information received by HRANA, the convictions related to the charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “deviant propaganda contrary to the sacred law of Islam” may be appealed within 20 days of notification. The conviction for “media and propaganda activities against national security” may be challenged through an appeal before the Supreme Court within 10 days.

Mr. Mohammadi-Dehaj was arrested by security forces at his home in Yazd on January 5, 2026, during which several personal belongings belonging to him and his family were confiscated. He was subsequently released from prison on March 17, 2026, after posting bail of 50 billion rials (five billion tomans).

Moein Mohammadi-Dehaj is a 39-year-old Baha’i resident of Yazd who has previously faced arrest and conviction.

Over the past decade, Iran’s Baha’i community has been subjected to more security and judicial repression than any other religious minority in the country. According to HRA annual reports, an average of 62.41% of all reported violations of the rights of religious minorities during the past year involved members of the Baha’i community.

Appeals Court Upholds One-Year Prison Sentence for Baha’i Citizen Amin Imanian

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News, Religious Minorities
Amin Imanian, Babol, Baha'i citizen, HRANA, امین ایمانیان

HRANA – The Mazandaran Province Court of Appeals has upheld, in full, the one-year prison sentence issued against Amin Imanian, a Baha’i resident of Babol.

According to HRANA, Amin Imanian has been sentenced to imprisonment.

Based on information received by HRANA, Branch 9 of the Mazandaran Province Court of Appeals sentenced Mr. Imanian to one year in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.” The ruling was electronically served on him on July 21.

Mr. Imanian had previously been sentenced to the same term of imprisonment by Branch 1 of the Babol Revolutionary Court at the trial stage.

Previously, an informed source told HRANA that Mr. Imanian is active in the sport of boxing, working as both a boxing coach and a referee.

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

Seven Sunni Citizens Arrested in Abadan and Mahshahr

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News, Religious Minorities
Abadan, Mahshahr

HRANA News Agency – Seven Sunni citizens were arrested by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence in the cities of Abadan and Mahshahr and taken to undisclosed locations.

According to HRANA, seven Sunni citizens have been arrested in Abadan and Mahshahr.

The identities of the detainees have been confirmed as:

• Hassan Batrani, 32;

• Mehdi Batrani, 41;

• Mehdi Asakereh, 20;

• Hossein Khanfari, 33;

• Amin Khanfari, 22, all residents of Abadan; and

• Abdolhamid Simari, also known as Abu Abdolsalam, 50; and

• Hatem Mansouri, 46, both residents of Mahshahr.

However, local sources have reported that the number of those arrested is higher than currently confirmed, a matter that HRANA is still investigating.

The arrests took place on Friday, July 24, 2026, when agents of the Ministry of Intelligence detained the individuals in Abadan and Mahshahr. They were subsequently transferred to undisclosed locations, and no information has been made available regarding their current condition or whereabouts.

At the time of this report, no information has emerged regarding the charges brought against these individuals.

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Baha’i Citizen Arman Misaghian Sentenced to Two Years in Prison

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News, Religious Minorities
Arman Misaghian, Baha'i citizen, HRANA, Seyed Ali Mazloum, آرمان میثاقیان

HRANA – Arman Misaghian, a Baha’i citizen, has been sentenced by the Tehran Revolutionary Court to two years of discretionary imprisonment, along with additional punitive measures.

According to HRANA, Arman Misaghian, a Baha’i citizen, has been sentenced to prison.

Based on information received by HRANA, Branch 29 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced Arman Misaghian to one year of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of “propaganda against the regime” and an additional one year on the charge of “insulting the Supreme Leader.” As supplementary punishment, the court also banned him for two years from driving, signing commercial documents, and membership in groups.

The case was presided over by Judge Seyed Ali Mazloum.

So far, no information has been made available regarding the specific conduct underlying the charges brought against this citizen.

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

Baha’i Citizen Shideh Tavakkoli Sentenced to Prison and Additional Punishments

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, HRANA, Shideh Tavakkoli

HRANA – Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court has sentenced Baha’i citizen Shideh Tavakkoli to 11 years in prison, permanent deprivation of employment in government and public service, and a monetary fine. The court also ordered the confiscation of part of her property.

According to HRANA, Shideh Tavakkoli has been sentenced to imprisonment and additional punishments.

According to the ruling issued by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, Ms. Tavakkoli was sentenced to 10 years in prison, permanent deprivation of employment in government and public service, and a fine of 3.3 billion rials (330 million tomans) on charges of membership in anti-state groups and propaganda activities contrary to Islamic law. She was also sentenced to one additional year in prison on the charge of propaganda against the state.

The court further ordered the confiscation of two properties belonging to her in Tehran, valued at 18.7 billion tomans, as well as part of her personal belongings, including electronic devices, books, and religious items.

The verdict was issued by the court on May 20, 2026, and served on Ms. Tavakkoli on May 26, 2026.

Shideh Tavakkoli was arrested by security forces at her home in Tehran on May 27, 2025. After the completion of interrogations, she was temporarily released from prison on bail.

Over the past decade, Iran’s Baha’i community has been subjected to more security-related and judicial persecution than any other religious minority in the country. According to annual reports published by HRA, 62.41% of all reported violations of the rights of religious minorities during the past calendar year involved Baha’is, on average.

Baha’i Photojournalist Artin Ghazanfari Remains in Legal Limbo at Greater Tehran Penitentiary

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News, Religious Minorities
Artin Ghazanfari, HRANA, آرتین غضنفری

HRANA – More than five months after his arrest, Artin Ghazanfari, a Baha’i citizen and photojournalist, remains detained without legal resolution at Greater Tehran Penitentiary.

A source close to the family, who confirmed the information to HRANA, said: “Artin Ghazanfari has now been held at Greater Tehran Penitentiary for 170 days without legal resolution. His judicial case remains in limbo, and no court hearing has been held for him to date.”

A previously informed source had told HRANA that Mr. Ghazanfari suffers from several medical conditions, including heart failure, asthma, and high blood pressure, and requires daily medication. Despite repeated efforts by his family to secure his temporary release through judicial authorities, the relevant officials have refused to grant him provisional release.

Mr. Ghazanfari was arrested on January 19, 2026, at his home in Tehran. At the same time, security agents searched both his residence and workplace, confiscating a number of electronic devices, books, and his personal and professional equipment.

As of the time of this report, no information has been made available regarding the charges brought against this Baha’i citizen.

Artin Ghazanfari, a Baha’i citizen and photojournalist, has previously served a prison sentence due to his activities.

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

Baha’i Citizen Mitra Bandi Amirabadi Sentenced to Prison

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News, Religious Minorities
HRANA, Mitra Bandi Amirabadi, Yazd, میترا بندر امیرآبادی

HRANA – Mitra Bandi Amirabadi, a Baha’i resident of Yazd, has been sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of Yazd to five years of discretionary imprisonment and a 10-year deprivation of social rights. Three years of the prison sentence have been suspended for a period of three years.

According to HRANA, Mitra Bandi Amirabadi has been sentenced to prison. Under a ruling issued by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Yazd, this Baha’i citizen was convicted on the charge of “deviant propaganda activity contrary to the sacred law of Islam through the promotion of the Baha’i faith,” under Article 500 bis of the Islamic Penal Code. She was sentenced to five years of discretionary imprisonment and a 10-year deprivation of social rights. Three years of her prison sentence have been suspended for a period of three years.

If the verdict is upheld on appeal, Ms. Bandi Amirabadi will be required to serve two years of discretionary imprisonment.

On June 17, 2025, security forces searched the home of this Baha’i citizen. The search was carried out around midnight, and officers confiscated a number of electronic devices, personal belongings, and several religious books.

Mitra Bandi Amirabadi, a Baha’i resident of Yazd, has previously been arrested and convicted because of her religious beliefs.

Appeals Court Upholds Prison Sentences of Five Christian Converts

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News, Prisoners, Religious Minorities
Aida Najaflou, Joseph Shahbazian, Lida Alexsani, Nasser Navard Gol-Tappeh

HRANA – The Tehran Province Court of Appeals has upheld the prison sentences of five Christian converts, four of whom have been identified as Aida Najaflou, Nasser Navard Gol-Tappeh, Joseph Shahbazian, and Lida Alexsani (Alek-Sani). The five had previously been sentenced by the Tehran Revolutionary Court to a combined total of 55 years in prison.

According to a report by Article 18, the Tehran Province Court of Appeals recently issued its ruling, fully affirming the original verdicts. The decision was officially communicated to the defendants on June 22, 2026.

In December 2025, the Tehran Revolutionary Court had sentenced the defendants. Under the ruling, Nasser Navard Gol-Tappeh, Joseph Shahbazian, and another Christian convert involved in the case were each sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, while Lida Alexsani received eight years in prison. Aida Najaflou was sentenced to a total of 17 years’ imprisonment. However, under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, which provides for the enforcement of only the most severe sentence in cases involving multiple convictions, she will serve 10 years, the longest of her sentences.

The first hearing in the case against Aida Najaflou, Nasser Navard Gol-Tappeh, and Joseph Shahbazian was held on September 6, 2025, in Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Abolghasem Salavati. They defended themselves against charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “acting against national security.”

The indictment was issued by the Evin Prosecutor’s Office on June 10, 2025. According to the final indictment, the charges were based on establishing, organizing, and leading a house church, conducting evangelical Christian house gatherings, and performing religious ceremonies such as baptism and Holy Communion.

Lida Alexsani was arrested at her home by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence on April 13, 2025. On May 13, 2025, she was released from Evin Prison after posting bail.

Aida Najaflou was also released from Evin Prison on bail on December 21, 2025. She had previously been transferred on April 13, 2025, from The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison, to the prison’s women’s ward. She had originally been arrested by security forces on February 6, 2025.

Nasser Navard Gol-Tappeh and Joseph Shahbazian, who were arrested on the same date and transferred to Evin Prison, remain in custody.

Both Nasser Navard Gol-Tappeh and Joseph Shahbazian, Christian converts residing in Tehran, have previously been arrested and imprisoned because of their religious activities.