Category: Religious Minorities

Update on Christian Convert Mina Khajavi in Evin Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News, Religious Minorities
HRANA, Iman Afshari, Imprisoner Christian Convert, Mina Khajavi, Tehran, مینا خواجوی

60-year-old Christian convert Mina Khajavi Ghomi is currently serving her sentence in Evin Prison, where she faces health challenges due to her age and related issues.

A source close to her family told HRANA that Khajavi struggles with her incarceration given her age, suffering from back, knee, and joint pains that make walking difficult. Despite these challenges, she has been denied access to specialized medical care in prison.

Khajavi was arrested by security forces in June 2020 and released on bail the same month.

In June 2022, she was tried alongside other Christian converts in a case overseen by Judge Iman Afshari at Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran. Khajavi was sentenced to six years in prison for “acting against national security through proselytizing Christianity and establishing a home church.”

According to reports obtained by HRANA, Khajavi began her prison term on January 8, 2024, and has spent time in solitary confinement in Ward 209, undergoing interrogations.

Fifteen Baha’i Women Summoned to Revolutionary Court of Isfahan

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News, Religious Minorities
Azita Rezvani-Khah, Bahais, Bashra Motahar, Farkhandeh Rezvan Pay, Firoozeh Rastinejad, Isfahan, Maryam Khorsandi, Mojdeh Bahamin, Mojgan Pourshafee, Nasrin Khademi, Noushin Hemmat, Roya Azad Khosh, Samira Shakib, Sanaz Rasteh, Sara Shakib, Shola Ashouri, Shurangiz Bahamin

Fifteen Baha’i women have been summoned to appear before the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan on May 1, 2024.

The women include Mojgan (Mozhgan) Pourshafee, Nasrin Khademi, Azita Rezvani-Khah, Shola Ashouri, Mojdeh Bahamin, Bashra Motahar, Sara Shakib, Samira Shakib, Roya Azad Khosh, Noushin Hemmat, Shurangiz Bahamin, Sanaz Rasteh, Maryam Khorsandi, Firoozeh Rastinejad, and Farkhandeh Rezvan Pay.

On April 8, 2024, they were indicted of “propaganda against the regime” and “assisting in education and propaganda activities against Islamic Sharia.” The indictment was issued on April 8, 2024.

Among them, Pourshafee, Khademi, Rezvani-Khah, Azad Khosh, Shakib, Raseh, Ashouri, Bahamin, Rastinejad, Khorsandi, and Hemmat were previously arrested in 2021 and later released on bail.

Furthermore, Bahamin, Rezvan Pay, Motahar, and Shakib’s residences were subjected to raids and searches by Intelligence agents.

Baha’is are subjected to violations of their religious rights, comprising 82% of reports on infringements against religious minorities, according to HRA’s 2023 annual report.

The Baha’i faith is not recognized as a legitimate religion by Iranian authorities, leading to systematic and longstanding violations of the rights of Baha’is in the country. This includes the denial of their fundamental right to practice their religion, which constitutes a clear breach of both 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 Educator Keyvan Rahimian’s Nine-Year Sentence Sustained on Appeal

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News, Religious Minorities
Abbasali Hoozan, Appellate Court of Tehran, Bahais, Keyvan Rahimian, Tehran, کیوان رحیمیان

The Appellate Court of Tehran Province has maintained a nine-year sentence and additional penalties for Baha’i educator Keyvan Rahimian.

In a verdict issued by Branch 36 of the Appellate Court of Tehran Province, presided over by Judge Abbasali Hoozan, Rahimian was sentenced to five years for “educational activities and propagating against the Islamic Sharia” and four years for “assembly and collusion against national security.” Alongside the prison term, Rahimian has been stripped of social rights and fined.

Per Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, five years of the prison term will be enforced.

Rahimian was apprehended by security forces in Tehran on July 18, 2023, and subsequently detained in Evin prison. His detention has been extended for four consecutive months, with Rahimian granted leave from November 25 to 29, 2023, to attend his mother’s funeral.

This is not Rahimian’s first encounter with legal repercussions for his activism. In August 2017, he was released from Rajai Shahr Prison after serving a five-year sentence. The current sentence raises concerns about the continued suppression of Baha’i individuals involved in educational and community activities.

Baha’is are subjected to violations of their religious rights, comprising 82% of reports on infringements against religious minorities, according to HRA’s 2023 annual report.

The Baha’i faith is not recognized as a legitimate religion by Iranian authorities, leading to systematic and longstanding violations of the rights of Baha’is in the country. This includes the denial of their fundamental right to practice their religion, which constitutes a clear breach of both 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.

 

Latest Developments on Baha’i Citizen Mina Karami’s Legal Situation

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News, Prisoners, Religious Minorities
Adelabad Prison, Bahais, Mina Karami, Seyed Mahmood Sadati, Shiraz, مینا کرمی

Baha’i citizen Mina Karami continues to serve her five-year prison term in Adelabad prison after the Appellate Court of Fars Province, influenced by the Ministry of Intelligence, recently rejected her request to complete her sentence outside prison with a monitoring ankle device.

A source close to Karami’s family has confirmed to HRANA the repeated denials of Karami’s release requests. Additionally, the Supreme Court rejected her plea for a retrial.

On April 13, 2021, security forces raided Karami’s residence, conducted a search, and subsequently summoned and interrogated her at the Ministry of Intelligence detention facility known as House No. 100. She was later released on bail.

In August-September 2022, the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz, presided over by Seyed-Mahmood Sadati, found Karami guilty of “engaging in education and propaganda activities against Islamic Sharia,” resulting in a five-year imprisonment, a fine, social restrictions for ten years, and a two-year ban from leaving the country. This verdict was upheld on appeal.

On February 13, 2024, security forces arrested her in Shiraz and transferred her to Adelabad Prison to commence serving her sentence.

Update on Baha’i Ardeshir Fanaeian in Semnan Prison

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News, Prisoners, Religious Minorities
Ardeshir Fanaeian, Khash County, Mohammad-Ali Rostami, Semnan, اردشیر فنائیان, اردشیر فناییان

Baha’i Ardeshir Fanaeian is currently serving a six-year prison term in Semnan prison.

According to a source close to Fanaeian’s family, since his incarceration, prison officials have held him separated from other inmates resembling solitary confinement.

Fanaeian was arrested by the Ministry of Intelligence on April 30, 2019, and released on bail after 75 days.

Subsequently, the Revolutionary Court of Semnan, presided over by Judge Mohammad-Ali Rostami, sentenced Fanaeian to 11 years in prison, one year of exile to Khash County, and one year banned from Semnan for “assisting in forming and running an illegal group to act against national security in favor of anti-regime groups.” This verdict was later reduced to six years on appeal.

Notably, Fanaeian’s parents were incarcerated for their faith in the 1980s. He was born in prison and resided there until he was three months old. Also, he faced a prior arrest and conviction in 2013.

Baha’is are subjected to violations of their religious rights, comprising 82% of reports on infringements against religious minorities, according to HRA’s 2023 annual report.

The Baha’i faith is not recognized as a legitimate religion by Iranian authorities, leading to systematic and longstanding violations of the rights of Baha’is in the country. This includes the denial of their fundamental right to practice their religion, which constitutes a clear breach of both 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.

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Christian Convert Laleh Sa’ati Receives Prison Sentence and Travel Restriction

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News, Prisoners, Religious Minorities
Christian Citizen, Christian convert, Evin Prison, Lale Sa'ati, Laleh Sa’ati, Malaysia, لاله ساعتی

Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court has sentenced Christian convert Laleh Sa’ati to two years in prison, coupled with a travel ban preventing her from leaving the country.

Presiding Judge Iman Afshari delivered the verdict to Sa’ati on March 24, citing her conviction for “actions against national security.”

According to a source close to Sa’ati’s family, she is reportedly in poor mental health, grappling with severe depression while incarcerated.

Sa’ati was arrested by security forces on February 13, 2024, and initially detained in the Women’s Ward of Evin Prison. However, she was later transferred multiple times to Ward 209 for interrogation by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence.

HRANA has received reports indicating that Sa’ati had been residing in Malaysia before her return to Iran.

Baha’i Citizen Shabnam Tebyanian Receives Sentence and Additional Penalties

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, Semnan, Shabnam Tebyanian, شبنم تبیانیان

Shabnam Tebyanian (TebIanian), a Baha’i citizen, has been sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of Semnan to six months imprisonment along with supplementary punishments. However, the prison term has been commuted to a fine.

Tebyanian was found guilty of “engaging in educational activities and propagating against Sharia Islam,” resulting in a two-year prohibition from affiliating with civil or political organizations and groups. Additionally, she has been mandated to attend “Cult Therapy” courses organized by the Islamic Development Organization.

The incident stems from Tebyanian’s arrest by security forces on August 21, 2023, in Semnan. During the arrest, her residence was searched, and some of her possessions were confiscated. She was subsequently released on bail in September 2023 pending further legal proceedings.

Shabnam Tebyanian, a mother of two and a Semnan resident, now faces financial penalties instead of imprisonment following the court’s decision.

Baha’is are subjected to violations of their religious rights, comprising 82% of reports on infringements against religious minorities, according to HRA’s 2023 annual report.

The Baha’i faith is not recognized as a legitimate religion by Iranian authorities, leading to systematic and longstanding violations of the rights of Baha’is in the country. This includes the denial of their fundamental right to practice their religion, which constitutes a clear breach of both 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 Anisa Fanaeian Receives Lengthy 16-Year Prison Sentence and Additional Penalties

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News, Religious Minorities
Ali Isari, Anisa Fanaeian, Semnan, Semnan Revolutionary Court

The Revolutionary Court of Semnan has issued a harsh sentence of 16 years in prison, coupled with additional penalties, for Baha’i citizen Anisa Fanaeian.

Presiding over Branch 1 of the Semnan Revolutionary Court, Judge Ali Isari sentenced Fanaeian to ten years for “forming groups to act against national security.” In addition, she received a five-year sentence, a fine, and deprivation from social rights for her involvement in “educational activities and propagating against Sharia Islam.” Furthermore, Fanaeian was given a one-year sentence for “propaganda against the regime.” The court also mandated the confiscation of $4,350 from her family’s assets, which had been seized during a search of her daughter’s room.

According to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, if the verdict is upheld on appeal, the ten-year prison term for the first count will be enforceable.

Fanaeian was arrested by security forces in Semnan on August 21, 2023, and was released on bail pending the conclusion of legal proceedings in early September 2023.

It is worth noting that Fanaeian has faced previous convictions and incarceration due to her religious convictions.

Baha’is are subjected to violations of their religious rights, comprising 82% of reports on infringements against religious minorities, according to HRA’s 2023 annual report.

The Baha’i faith is not recognized as a legitimate religion by Iranian authorities, leading to systematic and longstanding violations of the rights of Baha’is in the country. This includes the denial of their fundamental right to practice their religion, which constitutes a clear breach of both 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 Iman Rashidi Remains in Legal Limbo, Detained for Over 140 Days in Yazd Prison

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, Iman Rashidi, Yazd Prison

Iman Rashidi, a Baha’i citizen, continues to face a prolonged period of uncertainty as he remains incarcerated in Yazd Prison for over 140 days, according to a source close to Rashidi’s family who spoke to HRANA. Despite the passage of time, authorities have yet to grant him temporary release.

Rashidi’s ordeal began on October 5, 2023, when agents from the Ministry of Intelligence arrested him at his residence in Yazd. The arrest was accompanied by a search of his home, during which the authorities confiscated both his and his wife’s cell phones. Subsequently, Rashidi was transferred from a detention facility to Yazd Prison.

In a concerning development, his latest court hearing in February 2024 proceeded without the presence of his legal representation. Rashidi faces charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “propagating against Islamic Sharia.”

This is not Rashidi’s first encounter with law enforcement, as he has previously experienced arrests and convictions. In February 2018, he was released after serving a sentence. The ongoing legal limbo raises concerns about due process and fairness of his current detention.

Baha’is are subjected to violations of their religious rights, comprising 82% of reports on infringements against religious minorities, according to HRA’s 2023 annual report.

The Baha’i faith is not recognized as a legitimate religion by Iranian authorities, leading to systematic and longstanding violations of the rights of Baha’is in the country. This includes the denial of their fundamental right to practice their religion, which constitutes a clear breach of both 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 Rouya Sabet Arrested in Shiraz

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News, Religious Minorities
irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Rouya Sabet, Shiraz

On February 15, Baha’i citizen Rouya Sabet was arbitrarily arrested in Shiraz by IRGC Intelligence agents and transferred to an undisclosed facility.

A source close to her family confirmed Sabet’s arrest, revealing to HRANA that IRGC Intelligence is responsible for the apprehension. The source disclosed that Sabet, who had traveled to Shiraz from the UAE on January 4 to care for her elderly parent, was scheduled to return on January 25. However, two days before her planned departure, IRGC Intelligence agents executed a search warrant at her parent’s residence.

During the raid, the agents conducted a thorough search, interrogated Mrs. Sabet, and questioned two other family members. Subsequently, the agents also searched the residences of these two family members without presenting a warrant. The confiscated items reportedly include the family’s cell phones, as well as Mrs. Sabet’s passport, driver’s license, and ID card. Furthermore, Sabet was informed that she is prohibited from leaving the country.

The motive behind Sabet’s arrest and the nature of the allegations against her remain unknown at this time.

Baha’is are subjected to violations of their religious rights, comprising 82% of reports on infringements against religious minorities, according to HRA’s 2023 annual report.

The Baha’i faith is not recognized as a legitimate religion by Iranian authorities, leading to systematic and longstanding violations of the rights of Baha’is in the country. This includes the denial of their fundamental right to practice their religion, which constitutes a clear breach of both 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.