HRANA News Agency – On November 30th, agents from the Ministry of Intelligence arrested Noushin Mithaqi and Soheila Aqdasi, Bahai women living in Urumiyyeh (Urmia), in Iran’s Azerbaijan province, and took them to Urumiyyeh prison to begin their 6-month sentences.

According to the report of Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), Ms. Mithaqi’s name has also been reported as Noushin Aqdasi.

They were accused of “propaganda against the regime.” Not long ago they received telephone calls saying they should report to the prison, but did not do so as no official summons followed.

They are among seven Bahais in Urumiyyeh who were sentenced early in July this year to terms ranging from six months to six years, on charges that included teaching the Bahai Faith, propaganda against the Islamic Republic, hosting teaching classes in their homes, teaching minors, attracting Muslims, membership of a Bahai Assembly, and having links to the Universal House of Justice (the elected body that heads the international Bahai community).