HRANA – Arshad Afshar, Bahareh Afshar, and Arshia Afshar, three members of a Baha’i family living in Shahin Shahr, Isfahan, were arrested by security forces more than two months ago. They are currently being held in Dastgerd and Dowlatabad prisons in Isfahan.

Based on information received by HRANA, more than 65 days have passed since the arrest of Arshad Afshar, his wife Bahareh Afshar, and their son Arshia Afshar. Arshad and Arshia Afshar are currently being held in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan, while Bahareh Afshar is being held in Dowlatabad Prison in the same county. So far, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for their arrest or the charges brought against them.

A knowledgeable source close to the family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating:
“For follow-up on their situation, we have repeatedly referred to judicial authorities, but so far we have not received any clear response about their status. Previously, families were told that there was a possibility of their release on bail before February 11, but they were not released, and for some time now their families have had no information about their condition.”

Arshad Afshar, Bahareh Afshar, and Arshia Afshar were arrested by security forces in Shahin Shahr, Isfahan, on January 9.

It should be noted that on July 31 of this year, the home of this Baha’i family had also been searched by security forces.

Over the past decade, the Baha’i community in Iran has been targeted by security and judicial actions more than any other religious minority. A review of annual reports by the Statistics, Publication, and Works Center of the Human Rights Activists in Iran shows that over the past year, on average, 62.41% of reports concerning religious minorities were related to violations of the rights of Baha’i citizens.