Three Baha’i Citizens Sentenced to Prison and Other Penalties on Appeal

Arshia Rouhani, Hamid Monzavi, and Arash Nabavi, Baha’i citizens residing in Isfahan, have been sentenced by the province’s Appeals Court to two years in prison each, along with fines and additional penalties.

The ruling, issued by Branch 37 of the Isfahan Appeals Court under the presidency of Ahmad Ganjali Darani, sentences each of these Baha’i citizens to two years in prison, a fine of 24 million tomans, and a two-year ban on leaving the country and engaging in online activities. A source close to the family of one of these Baha’i citizens confirmed the news to HRANA, stating that the appeal hearing took place earlier this month in the mentioned branch.

Previously, Arshia Rouhani and Hamid Monzavi Joshaghani had been sentenced by Branch 1 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court to five years in prison each, a fine of 50 million tomans, a two-year ban on online activities and leaving the country, and the confiscation of their assets. Mr. Nabavi had also been sentenced by the same branch to ten years in prison, a fine, confiscation of assets, and other additional penalties.

Arash Nabavi, approximately 38 years old, was arrested in August of last year and released after two months on bail.

In September of last year, two businesses owned by Rouhani and Monzavi in Isfahan were sealed by the Ministry of Intelligence but were reopened after a month. On October 30, 2023, Rouhani and Monzavi were summoned and arrested by Branch 13 of the Isfahan Public Prosecutor’s Office. They were released the next day on 300 million toman bail. Rouhani had previously faced legal action due to his religious beliefs.

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 Arash Nabavi Sentenced to Imprisonment and Additional Punishments

Arash Nabavi, a Baha’i citizen residing in Isfahan, has been sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of this city to ten years of imprisonment, a fine, confiscation of property, and other penalties.

Based on a verdict issued by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan, presided over by Mohammadreza Tavakoli, and communicated to Mr. Nabavi, he has been sentenced to five years of imprisonment and a fine for the charge of “membership in groups to disrupt national security.” Additionally, for the charge of “propaganda activities against Islamic law”, he has been sentenced to another five years of imprisonment. As supplementary punishment, he has also been sentenced to a two-year ban on online acitvities, prohibition from leaving the country, and confiscation of property.
Three mobile phones, three flash drives, two tablets, three SIM cards, and several books and materials related to the Baha’i Faith are among the items ordered to be confiscated in the verdict.

This Baha’i citizen was arrested on August 14, 2023, and released after two months on bail. During the arrest, the officers searched his house and seized some of Mr. Nabavi’s personal belongings.

Arash Nabavi, single and approximately thirty-eight years old, lives the “Imam Neighborhood” in Isfahan.

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 Arash Nabavi Arrested in Isfahan

Arash Nabavi, a 37-year-old Baha’i community member residing in Isfahan, was apprehended at his residence, on Monday, August 14th, by security forces.

A source connected to Nabavi’s family disclosed to HRANA that a team of five intelligence agents executed the arrest at his home on Monday. During this operation, a thorough search was conducted, leading to the confiscation of various personal items belonging to Nabavi.

Upon contacting the Ministry of Intelligence, his family received information stating that Nabavi is presently undergoing interrogation. The authorities, however, have refrained from disclosing the specific location where he is being held.

HRANA’s annual report has highlighted a concerning trend where, in 2022, 64.63% of reported human rights violations against religious minorities are directed toward the Baha’i community.

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.