Category: Prisoners

Eight Women Face Death Sentences in Iran in Political, Security-Related, and Protest Cases

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Executions, News, Prisoners, Publications, Women
akhshan Azizi, Arghavan Fallahi, Bita Hemmati, HRANA, Leila Abolhasani, Mahnaz Chardoli, Maryam Hodavand, Souda Ebrahimi Shamsabadi, Taraneh Rahimi, Varisheh Moradi, Zahra Shahbaz Tabari

HRANA – At least eight imprisoned women are facing death sentences in various prisons across Iran. The sentences were issued in cases involving charges including “armed rebellion” (baghi), “enmity against God” (moharebeh), and “corruption on earth” (efsad-e fel-arz).

According to HRANA, a review of the judicial cases of imprisoned women shows that at least eight women in different parts of the country are facing death sentences.

These women include Pakhshan Azizi, Arghavan Fallahi, Zahra Shahbaz Tabari, Maryam Hodavand, Mahnaz Chardoli, Leila Abolhasani, Taraneh Rahimi, and Souda (Marzieh) Ebrahimi Shamsabadi.

Four of these women, Maryam Hodavand, Mahnaz Chardoli, Leila Abolhasani, and Taraneh Rahimi, have been sentenced to death in cases related to the protests of the January 2026. Souda (Marzieh) Ebrahimi Shamsabadi is also facing a death sentence in a case connected to security-related developments that occurred during the war. Pakhshan Azizi, Arghavan Fallahi, and Zahra Shahbaz Tabari have been sentenced to death in separate political and security-related cases.

These sentences were issued by various branches of the Revolutionary Courts in Tehran, Isfahan, Rasht, and Bandar Abbas. The judges who issued these sentences include Iman Afshari, Abolghasem Salavati, Vahid Hemmat-Nejad, Morteza Barati, Mohammadreza Tavakoli, Mohammad Ali Darvish-Goftar, and Judge Hajizadeh.

According to the latest available information, the death sentences of Pakhshan Azizi and Arghavan Fallahi have been upheld by the Supreme Court. Zahra Shahbaz Tabari, whose initial death sentence was overturned, has once again been sentenced to death by a parallel branch of the court. The death sentences in the cases of the other five women remain at the trial or appellate review stages.

The latest status and judicial proceedings in each of these prisoners’ cases are detailed below:

1. Pakhshan Azizi, held in Evin Prison, is one of the women sentenced to death in political and security-related cases. She was arrested in Tehran on August 4, 2023, and in August 2024, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Iman Afshari, sentenced her to death and four years in prison on the charge of “armed rebellion (baghi) through membership in groups opposed to the country.” Ms. Azizi’s death sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court in January 2025, and her requests for retrial have also been denied.
2. Arghavan Fallahi, another woman sentenced to death, is being held in Evin Prison. She was arrested in Tehran in February 2025, and her case was heard by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati. Ms. Fallahi was sentenced to death on the charge of “armed rebellion (baghi) through membership in groups opposed to the government and armed action.” The sentence against her was upheld by the Supreme Court in August 2026.
3. Zahra Shahbaz Tabari, 68, who is held in Lakan Prison in Rasht, is another woman sentenced to death in a political and security-related case. She was arrested at her home in Rasht in April 2025. Ms. Shahbaz Tabari was initially sentenced to death by Branch 1 of the Rasht Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Ahmad Darvish-Goftar, but the Supreme Court overturned the sentence. Her case was subsequently referred for retrial to Branch 2 of the Rasht Revolutionary Court, presided over by Mohammad Ali Darvish-Goftar. On April 14, 2026, the court again sentenced her to death on the charge of “armed rebellion (baghi) through membership and activity in an opposition group.”
4. Maryam Hodavand, 45 and a mother of two, is being held in Evin Prison. She was arrested in connection with the events of January 8, 2026, in Pakdasht, in a joint case involving three other defendants. Their case was heard by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Iman Afshari. Ms. Hedavand has been sentenced to death on charges including “participation in the killing of two Basij members,” “deliberately setting fire to a religious site,” “destruction of public property,” and “assembly and collusion against national security.” According to the latest available information, the sentence against her remains at the trial-court stage.
5. Mahnaz Chardoli, held in Qarchak Prison in Varamin, was prosecuted in a case related to the January 2026 protests in Tehran. She and Mehdi Nazer were tried in a joint case before Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati. The charges against her include “attacking a mosque with a Molotov cocktail,” “participating in gatherings,” and “assembly and collusion.” According to available information, Ms. Chardoli has received an initial death sentence, but the status of the sentence before the Supreme Court has not yet been determined.
6. Leila Abolhasani, approximately 43 years old and the mother of two teenage daughters, is being held in Dowlatabad Prison in Isfahan. She was arrested on January 8, 2026, during protests in Shahin Shahr, Isfahan. Branch 5 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court, presided over by Vahid Hemmat-Nejad, sentenced her to death on the charge of “enmity against God” (moharebeh). Following an appeal by her attorney, the case was referred to the Supreme Court for appellate review. A source close to her family previously told HRANA that the charge against Ms. Abolhasani stems from her presence at and filming of the scene of a fire at a store, while judicial authorities have accused her of involvement in setting the fire.
7. Taraneh Rahimi, another woman sentenced to death in connection with the January 2026 protests, is imprisoned in Dowlatabad Prison in Isfahan. She was arrested along with a number of protesters in Isfahan, and her case was heard as part of a case known as the “Isfahan Shohada Square” case. Branch 1 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court, with Judges Morteza Barati and Mohammadreza Tavakoli presiding, sentenced Ms. Rahimi and nine other defendants to death and 11 years in prison each. The charges in the case include “enmity against God (moharebeh) through carrying a bladed weapon,” “destruction of public property,” “assembly and collusion,” and “propaganda activity against the regime.” Her sentence remains at the trial-court stage.
8. Souda (Marzieh) Ebrahimi Shamsabadi, 32, who is held in Bandar Abbas Prison, is the only woman on this list whose death sentence was issued in a case related to security developments during the war. She was arrested on March 29 by Ministry of Intelligence agents and was subsequently tried before the Bandar Abbas Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Hajizadeh. Ms. Ebrahimi Shamsabadi was sentenced to death on the charge of “corruption on earth” (efsad-e fel-arz), as well as charges including “insulting the Supreme Leader,” “media and propaganda activities contrary to national security,” “intelligence and security activities on behalf of hostile governments,” and “photographing a military site and sending the images to Persian-language media outlets based outside Iran.” The sentence against her remains at the initial trial stage.

Bita Hemmati and Varisheh Moradi: Death Sentences Overturned, Cases Remain Unresolved Pending Retrial

In addition to the eight women who, according to the latest available information, continue to face death sentences, the cases of Bita Hemmati and Varisheh Moradi are also noteworthy because both were previously sentenced to death and their judicial proceedings remain ongoing. The Supreme Court overturned both prisoners’ death sentences and referred their cases to parallel branches for retrial; however, the final outcomes of their cases remain undetermined.

Varisheh Moradi, who has been in detention since August 2023, was sentenced to death in late November 2024 by the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, on the charge of “armed rebellion” (baghi). The Supreme Court overturned the sentence in late December 2025 and referred the case to a parallel branch for retrial. A retrial hearing in her case, which had been scheduled for July 2026 before Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, was canceled because Ms. Moradi did not appear. As of the time of this report, the final outcome of the retrial remains unknown.
Bita Hemmati, one of those arrested during the December 2025–January 2026 protests, was previously sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Iman Afshari, to death on the charge of “conducting operations on behalf of the hostile government of the United States and hostile groups,” and to five years in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.” In June 2026, the Supreme Court overturned her death sentence and referred the case to a parallel branch for retrial. Ms. Hemmati, who was arrested in Tehran on January 9, 2026, is currently being held in the women’s ward of Evin Prison. HRANA’s investigations into the outcome of her retrial and her latest judicial status are ongoing.

Nasimeh Eslamzahi Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison

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News, Prisoners
Amanj Karvanchi, Arsalan Sheikhi, HRANA, Nasimeh Eslamzahi, نسیمه اسلام زهی

HRANA – Nasimeh Eslamzahi, a Sunni security-related prisoner held in Evin Prison, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, Nasimeh Eslamzahi, a Sunni security-related defendant, has been sentenced to imprisonment.

According to a verdict issued by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, and communicated to Ms. Eslamzehi earlier this week, she was sentenced to 25 years in prison on the charge of “complicity in the crime of baghi (armed rebellion).” Her husband, Arsalan Sheikhi, and Amanj Karvanchi, another defendant in the case, had previously been sentenced to death on the charge of “baghi through membership in ISIS,” and their sentences were carried out.

A source familiar with the case confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “During the proceedings in her case, Nasimeh appeared at three court sessions before the aforementioned branch, presided over by Judge Salavati. She denied all the charges brought against her and emphasized that she had never been a member of or cooperated with any group.”

The source also addressed Ms. Eslamzahi’s access to legal representation, stating that various attorneys had sought to represent her during this period, but Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court refused to accept them, and proceedings in her case were conducted with a court-appointed attorney.

Previously, some state-affiliated media outlets had reported that Nasimeh Eslamzahi and two other defendants in the case had been sentenced to death, and this claim was also reflected in subsequent reports.

It should be noted that Ms. Eslamzahi had previously been sentenced to three years and six months in prison by a criminal court in another part of her case.

Nasimeh Eslamzahi was arrested along with her husband, Arsalan Sheikhi, in September 2023. During the prosecutorial stage, the couple were charged on suspicion of membership in the militant group ISIS. According to a source familiar with the case who spoke to HRANA, Ms. Eslamzehi was merely Arsalan Sheikhi’s wife and was present at their home when security forces arrived to arrest her husband; she was also arrested at the scene.

Nasimeh Eslamzahi is approximately 42 years old and is the mother of two daughters. Ayesha, the couple’s daughter, who was approximately two years old at the time of the arrests, was separated from her mother during the arrest, and the family was informed that the child had been transferred to the state welfare organization. After following up on the matter, Eslamzehi’s family succeeded in obtaining custody of Ayesha.

In late April 2024, Nasimeh Eslamzahi gave birth to her second child, Tasnim, in Evin Prison. The mother and newborn were held for 40 days in a solitary confinement cell under inadequate conditions, without proper ventilation or sufficient light, and were subsequently transferred to the quarantine ward.

Death-Row Political Prisoner Arghavan Fallahi’s Request for Retrial Rejected

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Executions, News, Prisoners
Arghavan Fallahi, Evin Prison, HRANA, ارغوان فلاحی

HRANA – The Supreme Court has rejected a request for retrial filed by Arghavan Fallahi, a political prisoner held in Evin Prison who had previously been sentenced to death.

According to HRANA, citing Emtedad, the Supreme Court rejected the request for retrial filed by Arghavan Fallahi, a political prisoner held in Evin Prison.

According to the report, Ms. Fallahi’s request for retrial, which had been filed with one of the branches of the Supreme Court, was rejected by the judicial authority this week.

In July of this year, the political prisoner was sentenced to death on the charge of “baghi” (armed rebellion) by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, head of Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. In late August, her death sentence was upheld by Branch 41 of the Supreme Court.

Arghavan Fallahi, aged approximately 25, was arrested by security forces in late January 2025 and transferred to the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison.

Following the Israeli attack on Evin Prison in June 2025, she was first transferred to the Greater Tehran Prison and later to Qarchak Prison in Varamin. She was subsequently transferred back to Evin Prison.

Previously, a source familiar with the political defendant’s situation told HRANA: “Following her arrest, Ms. Fallahi spent some time detained in Wards 209 and 241 of Evin Prison under the supervision of the Judiciary’s Intelligence Protection Organization. During this period, she was subjected to severe psychological torture, and attempts were made to extract forced confessions from her in connection with the assassination of two judges, Mohammad Moghiseh and Ali Razini.”

Ms. Fallahi had previously been arrested along with her father by security forces in November 2022 and was later transferred to Evin Prison. She was subsequently sentenced to two years in prison by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, on charges of “assembly and collusion” and “propaganda against the regime.” She was released from Evin Prison after completing her sentence.

Hossein Afrasiab Sentenced to More Than Three Years and Nine Months in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Dastgerd Prison, Hossein Afrasiab, HRANA, Isfahan, حسین افراسیاب

HRANA – The judiciary sentenced Hossein Afrasiab, a detained citizen currently held in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan, to three years, nine months, and twenty days in prison.

According to HRANA, Hossein Afrasiab has been sentenced to imprisonment.

A social media page attributed to the prisoner wrote: “Hossein Afrasiab was initially sentenced by the judiciary to five years and one month in prison. In the final ruling, his sentence was reduced to three years, nine months, and twenty days.”

Without providing further details, including the charges against the prisoner or the judicial authority that issued the sentence, the page stated that possession of satellite internet equipment (Starlink) was among the alleged grounds for the charges brought against Mr. Afrasiab.

On March 14, 2026, Hossein Afrasiab was arrested by security forces in Shahin Shahr and subsequently transferred to Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan.

HRANA’s inquiries regarding the judicial authority that issued the sentence and the details of this prisoner’s case remain ongoing.

January 2026 Protests: Report on the Latest Status of Aref Assar in Torbat-e Heydarieh Prison

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News, Prisoners
HRANA, January 2026 Protests, Khaf, Torbat-e Heydarieh Prison, عارف حصار

HRANA – Aref Assar, a resident of Khaf and one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests, is currently serving his sentence in Torbat-e Heydarieh Prison. He had previously been sentenced at the initial stage to five years and one day in prison, which was reduced on appeal to two years and six months.

According to HRANA, Aref Assar is serving his sentence in Torbat-e Heydarieh Prison.

According to information received by HRANA, on August 8, 2026, Mr. Assar reported to Torbat-e Heydarieh Prison to begin serving his two-year-and-six-month prison sentence.

At the initial stage, he was sentenced by the Khaf Revolutionary Court to five years and one day of imprisonment. After the case was referred to the Court of Appeals, the sentence was reduced to two years and six months of imprisonment. During the proceedings, he faced multiple charges, including “propaganda against the regime,” “cooperation with hostile countries,” “espionage,” “disrupting public security,” “insulting the Supreme Leader,” and “links with opposition groups.”

An informed source close to his family told HRANA that no specific evidence against Mr. Assar was presented in his case and that a significant portion of the allegations against him was based on statements made by individuals who had reported him. The source added: “Mr. Assar was subjected to mistreatment and torture while in detention, which resulted in a dislocated shoulder. The injury has so far required him to undergo several surgeries on his shoulder.”

Aref Assar, 22, is a resident of Khaf County. He was arrested on January 8, 2026, during nationwide protests and transferred to Torbat-e Heydarieh Prison. He was released approximately one week later after posting bail of 500 million tomans.

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January 2026 Protests: Report on the Latest Condition of Mojtaba Azhadi in Mashhad’s Vakilabad Prison

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News, Prisoners
HRANA, Joweyn, Mojtaba Azhadi, Vakilabad prison, مجتبی ازهدی

HRANA – Mojtaba Azhadi, a resident of Joweyn and one of those arrested in connection with the January 2026 protests, remains in legal limbo in Mashhad’s Vakilabad Prison nearly eight months after his arrest. Azhadi, who was struck by pellet gunfire in the face and neck during the protests, continues to be denied medical treatment to remove several pellets still lodged in his forehead and behind his eye.

According to HRANA, Mojtaba Azhadi remains incarcerated in Mashhad’s Vakilabad Prison.

According to information received by HRANA, Azhadi remains in legal limbo at Vakilabad Prison. Despite 238 days having passed since his arrest, no trial has yet been held, nor has he been granted the possibility of temporary release on bail.

An informed source close to his family confirmed the situation to HRANA, stating: “During the protests in January of last year, he was struck by pellet gunfire in the face and neck. Despite undergoing surgery, several pellets remain lodged in his forehead, with another pellet behind his eye. Azhadi requires medical treatment and surgery to remove the pellets from his face, but due to obstruction by the relevant authorities, he has been denied transfer to a hospital outside the prison.”

The informed source further stated: “A hearing on the charges against Azhadi is scheduled for September 28, 2026, before Branch 1 of the Sabzevar Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Mohammad Gholami. Following his arrest, Mojtaba Azhadi was initially taken to Joweyn Prison and, three days later, transferred to Sabzevar Prison. Five days after his transfer to Sabzevar Prison, he was taken to Mashhad for surgery and was held for a period at Vakilabad Prison. After undergoing surgery, he was returned to Joweyn Prison. While there, he went on a four-day hunger strike in protest against his situation and was held in solitary confinement. Azhadi was later transferred to Mashhad’s Vakilabad Prison.”

Mojtaba Azhadi was arrested by security forces in Joweyn on January 15, 2026, in connection with the nationwide protests.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against Azhadi. HRANA’s efforts to obtain further information in this regard are ongoing.

Mojtaba Azhadi, 45, is the father of one child, holds a master’s degree in accounting, and is from Joweyn County.

Baha’i Citizen Vafa Kashefi Sentenced to Six Years in Prison

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News, Prisoners, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, HRANA, Vafa Kashefi, Vakilabad prison, وفا کاشفی

HRANA – Vafa Kashefi, a Baha’i citizen currently held in Vakilabad Prison, was sentenced by the Mashhad Revolutionary Court to six years in prison, two years and six months of which have been suspended.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Vafa Kashefi has been sentenced to prison.

According to a ruling issued by the Mashhad Revolutionary Court and communicated to Kashefi, he was sentenced to five years in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt social security” and one year in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

Two and a half years of the total sentence have been suspended. Under the ruling, if the verdict is upheld, the most severe applicable punishment, two and a half years in prison, will be enforced against this Baha’i citizen. He was also acquitted of the charges of insulting the Supreme Leader and inciting people to participate in unrest.

Kashefi’s court hearing was held on August 29, 2026, at the Mashhad Revolutionary Court. He remains incarcerated in Vakilabad Prison.

Vafa Kashefi was arrested on April 21, 2026, after reporting to the Mashhad Prosecutor’s Office and was transferred to Vakilabad Prison.

The approximately 32-year-old Baha’i citizen had previously been arrested at his home on January 11, 2026, and was released on bail after approximately one week.

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, over the past year, an average of 62.41% of reports concerning religious minorities involved violations of the rights of Baha’i citizens.

Kamran Hekmati, Dual-National Jewish Citizen, Released from Evin Prison

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, HRANA, Kamran Hekmati, Yehuda Hekmati, کامران حکمتی

HRANA – Kamran (Yehuda) Hekmati, a 71-year-old Iranian-American dual-national Jewish citizen who has cancer, has been released from Evin Prison. Despite his release, he remains subject to a travel ban and is unable to leave Iran.

According to HRANA, citing Radio Farda, Kamran Hekmati was released from Evin Prison on the evening of Saturday, September 5, 2026.

According to the report, despite his release from prison, Mr. Hekmati remains subject to a ban on leaving the country and is currently in Iran.

No information has yet been released regarding the conditions of his release. However, it is believed that he may have been released after completing his prison sentence.

Mr. Hekmati has cancer. It was previously reported that he had been granted medical leave to pursue treatment. However, after approximately one month and before the end of his 45-day medical leave, he was returned to prison. His return took place before he could begin chemotherapy, raising concerns about his access to specialized medical care.

Kamran Hekmati, an Iranian-American dual-national Jewish citizen residing in New York, traveled to Iran last year to visit his family. He had previously traveled to Iran several times without incident. During this trip, however, security forces confiscated his passport and electronic devices. Over the following two months, he repeatedly sought the return of his passport, but a travel ban was imposed on him, preventing him from leaving Iran.

He was ultimately arrested in the summer of last year amid security developments related to the 12-day war between Iran and Israel. During the judicial proceedings in his case, Mr. Hekmati was initially sentenced by the Tehran Revolutionary Court to four years in prison. His sentence was subsequently reduced to two years and ultimately to one year in prison.

His family had previously stated that his court hearing was conducted in a very short period of time and without the presence of a defense attorney or witnesses. The charge against him was based on a law prohibiting Iranian nationals from traveling to Israel. However, Mr. Hekmati’s most recent trip to Israel had taken place 13 years before his entry into Iran and, according to available information, fell outside the 10-year period specified under the law cited in his case.

Despite the government’s official claims that it guarantees the rights of religious minorities, including Jews, human rights experts have warned that recent security pressures against this minority community may constitute discrimination based on religion and ethnicity and may be inconsistent with Iran’s international obligations.

Artin Ghazanfari Remains in Legal Limbo and Denied Medical Treatment at Greater Tehran Prison

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News, Prisoners, Religious Minorities

HRANA – More than seven months after his arrest, Artin Ghazanfari, a Baha’i citizen and photojournalist, remains detained in legal limbo at Greater Tehran Prison. Despite suffering from multiple medical conditions, including heart disease and asthma, he has been denied specialized medical care and transfer to medical facilities outside the prison.

According to HRANA,Artin Ghazanfari, a Baha’i citizen, remains in detention.

An informed source close to his family confirmed the news to HRANA, saying: “Artin Ghazanfari has been held in legal limbo at Greater Tehran Prison for more than seven months. Mr. Ghazanfari suffers from several medical conditions, including heart failure, asthma, and high blood pressure. Despite the health problems caused by these conditions, he has yet to receive effective medical care.”

The source added: “His family’s efforts to secure his temporary release on bail for medical leave have also been unsuccessful. He requires appropriate medical care and transfer to a medical facility outside the prison.”

On July 29, 2026, a court session addressing the charges against this Baha’i citizen was held before Branch 14 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

Mr. Ghazanfari was arrested on January 19, 2026, at his home in Tehran. At the same time, agents searched his home and workplace and confiscated a number of electronic devices, books, work equipment, and personal belongings.

Artin Ghazanfari, a Baha’i citizen and photojournalist, has previously served a prison sentence in connection with his activities.

Three Baha’i Citizens Remain Detained in Legal Limbo at Tir Kola Prison in Sari

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News, Prisoners, Religious Minorities
Fakhereh Zahedi, Shima Sanaei, Soraya Manouchehrzadeh

HRANA – Two weeks after the arrests of Soraya Manouchehrzadeh, Fakhereh Zahedi, and Shima Sanaei, the three Baha’i citizens remain detained in legal limbo at Tir Kola Prison in Sari.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Soraya Manouchehrzadeh, Shima Sanaei, and Fakhereh Zahedi remain in prison.

Two weeks have passed since the arrest of these three Baha’i citizens, and they continue to be held in legal limbo at Tir Kola Prison in Sari. According to information received by HRANA, they have been permitted to make only one phone call to their families during this period.

An informed source familiar with their situation told HRANA: “According to their families, interrogations of the three citizens at the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Sari produced no substantial evidence against them. Nevertheless, in recent days, several of their neighbors have been summoned to the Ministry’s intelligence office.”

The families of the three citizens also learned, three days after their arrests, that Amin Nasrollah-Chamani, an investigator with Branch 7 of the Sari Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office, had set bail at two billion tomans for each of them. However, despite the bail being secured and guarantors being introduced, the judicial authority’s administrative office refused to register it.

The detention orders for the three Baha’i citizens were extended for one month in late August.

An informed source had previously told HRANA regarding the manner of Shima Sanaei’s arrest: “At 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, approximately 12 Ministry of Intelligence agents broke the lock on Ms. Sanaei’s family home, entered the premises, arrested her, and transferred her to the Ministry of Intelligence office in Sari. At the same time, agents searched her residence and confiscated a number of personal belongings, including religious images, books, and documents. Because Ms. Sanaei’s father was not home, a local shopkeeper who learned of the agents’ presence went to the house and was beaten by them.”

Manouchehrzadeh and Zahedi were also arrested in operations involving multiple security personnel. Approximately 14 agents, five private vehicles, and a representative of the prosecutor’s office were involved in the arrests. During Ms. Manouchehrzadeh’s arrest, agents simultaneously searched her family home and confiscated a number of her personal and electronic belongings.

On Saturday, August 22, Soraya Manouchehrzadeh, Shima Sanaei, and Fakhereh Zahedi were arrested in Sari along with Maral Roshani and Negar Badiei. They were initially taken to a detention facility known as “Keshoui” and were later transferred to Tir Kola Prison in Sari. Maral Roshani and Negar Badiei were released at approximately 7 p.m. that same day after several hours of interrogation.

Soraya Manouchehrzadeh is a Montessori instructor; Shima Sanaei works as a health and personal care products salesperson; and Fakhereh Zahedi is married, a homemaker, and the mother of two young children.

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 year, an average of 62.41% of reports concerning religious minorities involved violations of the rights of Baha’i citizens.