Category: Religious Minorities

Baha’i Citizen Amin Zolfaghari Imprisoned in Yazd Prison 

Posted on by A MN
News, Religious Minorities
Amin Zolfaghari, Baha'i citizen, Hiwa Mehdi-Abadi, Mahbooneh Misaghian, Mitra Amir-Abadi, Yazd, Yazd Prison

On Tuesday, May 24, 2022, Baha’i citizen Amin Zolfaghari was transferred to Yazd Prison to serve his eight-months sentence. Earlier, Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Yazd had sentenced Zolfaghari to three years and four months term. On Appeal, this sentence was reduced to 8 months.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, Baha’i citizen Amin Zolfaghari was sent to Yazd Prison to serve his sentence.

On May 21, 2020, the Ministry of Intelligence agents arrested Zolfaghari at his house in Yazd and transferred him to prison. On June 23, 2020, he was released on bail.  

Subsequently, Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Yazd sentenced Zolfaghari and three other defendants, Mitra Amir-Abadi, Hiwa Mehdi-Abadi and Mahbooneh Misaghian, to 2 years and eight months in prison on the charge of “membership in anti-regime groups” and eight months on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

The sentences against all four defendants were reduced to eight months during the appeal process.

The deprivation of the freedom to practice their religion is a breach of 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.

Baha’i Citizen Saeedeh Khozui Released on Bail after 43 Days of Detention 

Posted on by A MN
News, Religious Minorities
Araslan Yazdani, Baha'i citizen, Baha'i faith, Saeedeh Khozui

On Tuesday, Baha’i citizen Saeedeh Khozui was released on bail temporarily until the end of legal proceedings. She was held in Evin Prison for 43 days.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, on Tuesday morning, Baha’i citizen Saeedeh Khozui was released on a 2 billion tomans bail. She had been arrested on April 11, 2022.

Saeedeh Khozui is the mother of Arsalan Yazdani who was also arrested in Tehran on September 1, 2021, and transferred to a detention center in Evin Prison. On September 30, 2021, security forces searched his house and confiscated some of Mr. Yazdani’s belongings including his laptop, other electronic devices and documents. Subsequently, Arsalan Yazdani was released on bail on October 17, 2021.

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

The deprivation of the freedom to practice their religion is a breach of 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.

Baha’i Citizen Saeedeh Khozui in Detention 40 Days after Arrest

Posted on by A MN
News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, Baha'i faith, Saeedeh Khozui

Baha’i citizen Saeedeh Khozui is still jailed in the detention facility A1, which is at the disposal of the IRGC Intelligence. On April 11, 2022, she was arrested after an appearance at Branch 2 of Evin Courthouse.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, Baha’i citizen Saeedeh Khozui has been in detention for 40 days under uncertain conditions.

On Thursday, May 19, in a phone call to her family, Khozui informed them that currently she is detained at an IRCGS detention facility A1. Khozui’s family had frequently inquired about her charges and whereabouts before, which was not responded to by the authorities.

Mrs Khozai suffers from migraine and the prison does not serve regular meals during the month of Ramadan, which makes her health conditions worse.

Saeedeh Khozui is the mother of Arsalan Yazdani who was arrested by security forces in Tehran on September 1, 2021, and transferred to a detention center in Evin Prison. On September 30, 2021, security forces searched his house and confiscated some of Mr. Yazdani’s belongings including his laptop, other electronic devices and documents. Subsequently, Arsalan Yazdani was released on bail on October 17, 2021. 

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

The deprivation of the freedom to practice their religion is a breach of 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.

Baha’i Citizen Sahba Farnoush to Serve Two Years Sentence

Posted on by A MN
News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, Baha'i faith, Sahba Farnoush

On Wednesday, May 11, 2022, Sahba Farnoush, a Baha’i citizen and resident of Tehran, started to serve his two-year prison sentence at Evin Prison.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, Baha’i citizen Sahba Farnoush started his sentencing at Tehran’s Evin Prison.

On November 15, 2015, on the day of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Baha’u’llah, the prophet and founder of the Baha’i faith, security forces raided Farnoush’s house in Tehran and transferred him to Evin prison. During the arrest, the agents confiscated some of his personal belongings such as his laptop and cell phone. On December 23, 2015,  he was released on a 200 million tomans bail.

In January of 2020, Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran sentenced Mr. Farnoush to 10 years in prison on the charge of “running a Baha’i organization”,  5 years on the charge of “membership in an anti-regime group” and 1 year on the charge of “propaganda against the regime through promoting the Baha’i faith”, to total 16 years of imprisonment. Subsequently, following the acceptance of his request for a retrial, Farnoush was acquitted of the last two charges and received six years imprisonment for “running a Baha’i organization”. This verdict was upheld on appeal.

Ultimately, Iran’s Supreme Court accepted his request for retrial and the sentence was reduced to two years.

Freedom of religion is a breach of 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 practice religion freely, freedom of converting to a religion, as well as freedom of expression, individually or collectively; openly or secretly.

Christian Convert Morteza Hajeb Mashhoud-Kari Arrested in Rasht

Posted on by A MN
News, Religious Minorities
Ahmad Sarparast, Ayoub Pourreza-Zadeh, Babak Hossein-Zadeh, Behnam Akhlaghi, Christian converts, Morteza Hajeb Mashhoud Kari, Rasht City

On Tuesday, May 10, 2022, Christian convert Morteza Hajeb Mashhoud-Kari was arrested after an appearance at the Courthouse of Rasht City and transferred to Lakan Prison.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, following a failed attempt to arrest Morteza Hajeb Mashhoud-Kari last Sunday, the security forces summoned him to appear at the Courthouse of Rasht City. Subsequently, Morteza Hajeb Mashhoud-Kari was arrested and transferred to Lakan Prison.

Attorney Iman Soleimani told HRANA, “the authorities informed Mr. Mashhoud-Kari that he would be arrested if he failed to come to the IRGC Intelligence Office. When he appeared there, he found out that a new legal case  had been opened against him and several other Christian converts.”

Last Sunday, the security forces arrested four other Christian converts, Behnam Akhlaghi, Babak Hossein-Zadeh, Ayoub Pourreza-Zadeh, and Ahmad Sarparast in Rasht City.

Earlier, in April of 2022, the Revolutionary Court of Rasht sentenced Mashhoud-Kari to five years imprisonment and 180 million tomans fine on the charges of “forming church home, propaganda against the regime and association with Zionism and Branhamist sect.”  On May 23 of this year, Branch 18 of the Court of Appeal of Gilan Province will hold the first session to re-examine his case.

Despite the fact that Christians are recognized as a religious minority under Iranian law, security forces harass and prosecute Muslims who convert to Christianity.

The prosecution of Christian converts stands 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, which state that every individual has the right to freedom of religion and belief and freedom to express it openly or secretly.

  

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Four Christian Converts Arrested by IRGC Intelligence Agents

Posted on by A MN
News, Religious Minorities
Ahmad Sarparast, Ayoub Pourrezazadeh, Babak Hossein-Zadeh, Behnam Akhlaghi, Iranian Christians, IRGC intelligence agents, Morteza Hajeb Mashhood-Kari

On Sunday, May 8, 2022, IRGC intelligence agents arrested four Christian converts, Behnam Akhlaghi, Babak Hossein-Zadeh, Ayoub Pourreza-Zadeh, and Ahmad Sarparast in Rasht City, and transferred them to an unidentified location. Security agents’ attempt to arrest Morteza Hajeb Mashhoud failed as he was not at his home.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, on Sunday, May 8, 2022, four Christian converts were arrested by IRGC intelligence agents in Rasht.

Attorney Iman Soleimani told HRANA, “the authorities informed Mr. Hajeb Mashhoud that he would be arrested if he failed to come to the IRGC Intelligence’s Office. When he appeared at the office, he found out that a new legal case  had been opened against all the individuals.”

Behnam Akhlaghi, Babak Hossein-Zadeh had faced other arrests and convictions. Earlier, Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran sentenced them to five years imprisonment on the charge of “acting against national security and promotion of Evangelical Christianity and Zionism”.  In March of 2022, the Branch 34 of the Court of Appeals acquitted them of the charges.

In April of 2022, Ahmad Sarparast, Ayoub Pourrezazadeh and Morteza Hajeb Mashhood-Kari were sentenced to five years imprisonment on the charges of “holding home church services, propaganda against the regime, association with Zionism and Branhamist sect”. They have also been fined in the amount of 18 million tomans. On May 23 of this year, Branch 18 of the Court of Appeal of Gilan Province will hold the first session to re-examine their case.

Despite the fact that Christians are recognized as a religious minority under Iranian law, security forces harass and prosecute Muslims who convert to Christianity.

The prosecution of Christian converts stands 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, which state that every individual has the right to freedom of religion and belief and freedom to express it openly or secretly.

 

Three Iranian Christians Sentenced to Imprisonment

Posted on by A MN
News, Religious Minorities
Abbas Soori, Anoushavan Avodian, Christian Citizen, home church, Maryam Mohammadi

Recently the Revolutionary Court of Tehran sentenced Christian Citizen Anoushavan Avodian to 10 years imprisonment, a fine and additional social restrictions. In this legal case, two other Christian converts, Abbas Soori and Maryam Mohammadi were fined 50 million tomans and sentenced to additional social restrictions.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, the Revolutionary Court of Tehran sentenced Anoushavan Avodian, Abbas Soori and Maryam Mohammadi to imprisonment, fines and other social restrictions.

According to the verdict issued by Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran, headed by Judge Afshari, Anoushavan Avodian was sentenced to 10 years in prison, paying a fine and restrictions of rights for 10 years. Abbas Soori and Maryam Mohammadi were fined 50 million tomans, prohibited from membership in political groups, and banned from leaving the country and residing in Tehran Province and neighboring provinces. Also, they are ordered to appear once every three weeks at the Supervision and Follow-up office of the Judiciary for two years.

The above individuals have been convicted on the charge of “organizing and running evangelical “Zionist” home church with the intention to act against national security,” and ” maintaining satellite dish and receivers.”

Their Attorney Iman Soleimani told HRANA: “All arguments provided by the defence lawyer in the court have been ignored and the verdict has been issued based on the judicial officers’ workflow.”

The prosecution of Christian converts stands 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, which state that every individual has the right to freedom of religion and belief and freedom to express it openly or secretly.

Baha’is Cemetery in Hamedan Partly Demolished

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'is Cemetery, Hamedan

Recently, a Baha’is cemetery in Hamedan Province was partly demolished overnight. As a result of provoking anti-Baha’i sentiments by the Iranian officials, Baha’i citizens’ business locations and cemeteries come under attack periodically.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, a Baha’i cemetery in Hamedan was partly destroyed overnight by unknown individuals.

Simin Fahandej, the spokesperson of the Bahá’í International Community told HRANA, “The Mortuary and praying hall of this cemetery has been partly demolished. It is not known which institution has instigated the perpetrators to take this action. This demolition had caused the collapse of the roof. It is one of the regime’s cruellest acts against the Baha’is community that they are not allowed to have a burial place for their deceased ones.”

In recent years, other Baha’i cemeteries in various cities, including Qorveh, Sanandaj, Kerman, Shiraz and Urmia have been demolished.

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.

Freedom of religion is a breach of 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 practice religion freely, freedom of converting to a religion, as well as freedom of expression, individually or collectively; openly or secretly.

Christian Convert Rahmat Rostamipour Arrested in Bandar Anzali

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News, Religious Minorities
Christian convert, HRANA, Rahmat Rostamipour

Last Monday, April 18, 2022, security forces arrested Christian Convert Rahmat Rostamipour at his house. The day after the arrest, his wife was also summoned and interrogated for a few hours.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, quoting Article 18 News Outlet, Christian Convert, Rahmat Rostamipour was arrested by security forces at his house in Bandar Anzali located in Gilan Province.

Reportedly, 12 agents raided his house at 8 a.m. which caused a convulsion in one of his children. This incident dissuaded the agent from arresting Mr Rostamipour’s wife. The agents also searched the house and confiscated some of their belongings including children’s tablets and books related to the Christian faith.

The charges against Mr Rostamipour are still unknown so far. However, during the interrogation of his wife, the agents mentioned the charges of “propaganda against the regime and forming an illegal home church”.

Rahmat Rostamipour is 49 years old and a father of two children.

The persecution of Christian converts stands 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, which state that every individual has the right to freedom of religion and belief and freedom to express it openly or secretly.

 

Baha’i Citizen Saeedeh Khozui in Detention Eight Days after Arrest

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Freedom of Expression, News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, Saeedeh Khozui

Baha’i citizen and a resident of Tehran, Saeedeh Khozui is still in detention after her arrest. On April 11, 2022, she was arrested after an appearance at Branch 2 of Evin Courthouse and she was allowed one phone call to her husband since.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, Baha’i citizen Saeedeh Khozui is still in detention eight days after her arrest.

On April 19, she was allowed to make a phone call to her husband. Despite her family’s frequent inquiries, prison and judicial authorities did not reveal her whereabouts or the charges against her.

Mrs Khozai suffers from migraine and the prison does not serve regular meals during the month of Ramadan, which makes her health conditions worse.

Saeedeh Khozui is the mother of Arsalan Yazdani who was arrested by security forces in Tehran on September 1, 2021, and transferred to a detention center in Evin Prison. On September 30, 2021, security forces searched his house and confiscated some of Mr. Yazdani’s belongings including his laptop, other electronic devices and documents. Subsequently, Arsalan Yazdani was released on bail on October 17, 2021.