Tag: Baha’i citizen

Venus Hosseinnezhad, a Baha’i Citizen, Arrested in Kerman

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, HRANA, Kerman, Venus Hosseinnezhad

HRANA – Venus Hosseinnezhad, a Baha’i citizen residing in Kerman, was arrested by security forces 10 days ago, and there has been no information so far regarding her place of detention.

Based on information received by HRANA, Venus Hosseinnezhad was arrested at her workplace by security forces on January 15. Ten days after her arrest, there is still no information about her whereabouts, which has caused concern among her family and relatives.
As of the time of writing this report, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against this citizen.

Venus Hosseinnezhad is 28 years old and a Baha’i citizen living in Kerman.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, and after two days spread beyond bazaars and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests have become one of the most widespread demonstrations in recent years. For more information, readers can refer to HRANA’s detailed report on the twenty-eighth day of the protests, published last night.

Baha’i Citizen Moein Mohammadi Arrested in Yazd

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, Bahai arrested, Moein Mohammadi, Yazd

HRANA News Agency – On Monday, January 5, 2026, Moein Mohammadi, a Baha’i citizen residing in Yazd, was arrested by security forces and transferred to an undisclosed location. The agents searched the residence of this Baha’i citizen and confiscated a number of his personal belongings.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Mohammadi’s arrest took place on Monday, January 5, at his home by security forces. During the search of the residence, agents seized several of his personal items, including electronic devices, books, and documents.

A source informed and close to the family of this Baha’i citizen, while confirming the news to HRANA, stated: “Mr. Mohammadi’s arrest occurred in front of his 10-year-old child, an incident that has caused significant psychological distress to the child.”

So far, no information has been obtained regarding his place of detention or the charges brought against this Baha’i citizen.

Moein Mohammadi has previously faced convictions due to his religious beliefs.

Over the past decade, the Baha’i community in Iran has been subjected to more security and judicial actions than any other religious minority. HRA’s annual report indicates that during 2025, an average of 62.4% of reports related to religious minorities concerned violations of the civil rights of Baha’is.

Navid Tashakor, a Baha’i Citizen, Arrested and Transferred to Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, Baharestan, Dastgerd Prison, Navid Tashakor, نوید تشکر

HRANA -Navid Tashakor, a Baha’i citizen residing in Baharestan, Isfahan Province, was arrested on Saturday, December 13, after appearing at the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office of Isfahan, and was transferred to Dastgerd Prison in the city.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Tashakor was detained on December 13, following his appearance at the Isfahan Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office and subsequently transferred to Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan. The charge brought against this Baha’i citizen has been cited as “propaganda against the state through educational and/or promotional activities deemed deviant and contrary to or disruptive of Islamic law.”

Mr. Tashakor had previously been arrested on June 22, 2025, at his private residence in the city of Baharestan and was released on bail 16 days later. At the time of that arrest, security agents searched his home and confiscated a number of his electronic devices.

Additionally, on June 15, 2025, Mr. Tashakor and several of his colleagues were arrested at their workplace and released after one day. According to an informed source, “The agents cited suspicious movements and alleged connections with Israeli-owned drones as the reason for these arrests.”

Shahram Tahzib, a Baha’i Citizen in Gonbad-e Kavus, Arrested

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, Gonbad-e Kavus, Shahram Tahzib

HRANA – Yesterday, December 3, Shahram Tahzib, a Baha’i citizen residing in Gonbad-e Kavus, was arrested by security forces in the city and taken to an undisclosed location. At the same time, his home was searched by agents.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Tahzib was arrested on Wednesday, December 3, by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence at his family home. The agents also searched the residence and confiscated books related to the Baha’i faith.

As of the time of this report, there is no information on his whereabouts, the reasons for his arrest, or the charges brought against him.

Shahram Tahzib is a Baha’i citizen living in Gonbad-e Kavus.

Over the past decade, the Iranian Bahá’í community has been disproportionately targeted by Iran’s security forces and judiciary, more than any other minority group. In the past three years, an average of 72 percent of the reports on religious rights violations collected by HRANA have documented the Iranian regime’s repression of the Bahá’í community.

Shahram Fallah, a Baha’i Citizen, Sentenced to Imprisonment and Exile

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News, Prisoners, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, Birjand, Kerman, Shahram Fallah, شهرام فلاح

HRANA – Shahram Fallah, a Baha’i citizen imprisoned in Kerman Prison, has been sentenced by the Kerman Province Court of Appeals to nine years, six months, and one day in prison, as well as one year of exile to Birjand County.

This verdict was recently issued in absentia by the Kerman Province Court of Appeals on charges of “deviant educational and promotional activities contrary to Islamic law through unfounded and false claims in religious matters, with organizational connections abroad,” as well as forming a group aimed at disrupting national security.

According to the judge’s ruling, Mr. Fallah’s original sentence of thirteen years, six months, and two days in prison, issued by the trial court, was reduced to nine years, six months, and one day. However, the one-year exile to Birjand County, imposed as a supplementary punishment, was fully upheld.

Mr. Fallah was arrested on August 18, 2025, by Ministry of Intelligence agents at his residence and transferred to Kerman Prison. At the time of his arrest, agents confiscated the mobile phones of family members and guests, as well as several books and religious images belonging to Mr. Fallah.

Shahram Fallah, a 64-year-old Baha’i citizen residing in Kerman, has previously faced legal actions, arrest, and convictions.

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Baha’i Citizen Pariya Marandiz Taken to Evin Prison to Serve Her Sentence

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News, Prisoners, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, Evin Prison, HRANA, Pariya Marandiz

HRANA – On Saturday, 22 November 2025, Pariya Marandiz, a Baha’i citizen, was taken to Evin Prison to begin serving her prison sentence.

Based on information received by HRANA, Ms. Marandiz was taken to Evin Prison today, Saturday, 22 November 2025, to begin serving her sentence. Some time ago, Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced her to three years in prison on charges of propaganda activity against the Islamic Republic of Iran during the 12-day war and propaganda activity aimed at strengthening and reinforcing the Israeli regime. She was also banned from using social media for two years.

Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the most severe sentence, two years in prison for the charge of propaganda activity aimed at strengthening and reinforcing the Israeli regime, will be enforceable for this Baha’i citizen. Eighteen months of the issued prison term has been suspended for five years.

Ms. Marandiz had also been summoned by the Ministry of Intelligence on 20 June, 1 July, and 13 July 2025, and interrogated for several hours each time.

On 17 June 2025, Ms. Marandiz was briefly detained by security forces. At the same time, her residence was searched. During this search, officers confiscated a number of her and her family members’ personal belongings, including books, religious images, laptops, and mobile phones.

Over the past decade, the Iranian Bahá’í community has been disproportionately targeted by Iran’s security forces and judiciary, more than any other minority group. In the past three years, an average of 72 percent of the reports on religious rights violations collected by HRANA have documented the Iranian regime’s repression of the Bahá’í community.

Aminollah Koushkbaghi, a Baha’i Citizen, Arrested in Gonbad-e Kavus

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News, Religious Minorities
Aminollah Koushkbaghi, Arvin Avezpour, Baha'i citizen, Gonbad-e Kavus, HRANA

HRANA – Aminollah Koushkbaghi, a Baha’i citizen residing in Gonbad-e Kavus, was arrested by security forces on Wednesday, November 12, and transferred to an undisclosed location.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Koushkbaghi, 69, was arrested on Wednesday, November 12, by security forces. Five days after his arrest, efforts by his family and relatives to obtain information about his fate have so far been unsuccessful.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding his whereabouts, the reasons for his arrest, or the charges brought against him.

Around the time of this arrest, another Baha’i citizen in Gonbad-e Kavus, Arvin Avezpour, was also arrested by security forces and transferred to an undisclosed location.

Over the past decade, the Iranian Bahá’í community has been disproportionately targeted by Iran’s security forces and judiciary—more than any other minority group. In the past three years, an average of 72 percent of the reports on religious rights violations collected by HRANA have documented the Iranian regime’s repression of the Bahá’í community.

Gonbad-e Kavus: Baha’i Citizen Arvin Avazpour Arrested and Held Incommunicado

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News, Religious Minorities
Arvin Avazpour, Baha'i citizen, Gonbad-e Kavus, آروین عوض پور

HRANA – On Wednesday, November 12, Arvin Avazpour, a Baha’i citizen residing in Gonbad-e Kavus, was arrested by security forces and transferred to an undisclosed location. At the same time, his home was searched by the agents.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Avazpour was arrested by security forces at his workplace. After detaining him, the agents took him to his home and searched the premises. During the search, they confiscated several books, mostly related to the Baha’i faith, as well as his mobile phone.

Five days after his arrest, efforts by his family and relatives to obtain information about his fate have remained unsuccessful.

Arvin Avazpour, 45, is a father of two and a resident of Gonbad-e Kavus.

Over the past decade, the Iranian Bahá’í community has been disproportionately targeted by Iran’s security forces and judiciary, more than any other minority group. In the past three years, an average of 72 percent of the reports on religious rights violations collected by HRANA have documented the Iranian regime’s repression of the Bahá’í community.

Farhad Fahandej, a Baha’i Citizen, Arrested in Gorgan

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, Farhad Fahandej, Gorgan, HRANA, حمید فرهادی

HRANA – On Wednesday, November 12, Farhad Fahandej, a Baha’i citizen residing in Gorgan, was arrested by security forces and taken to an undisclosed location. At the same time, his home was searched by the agents.

According to HRANA, eight security officers carried out the arrest at Mr. Fahandej’s residence. During the search, several personal items, including his books and photographs, were confiscated.

A source close to the family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “The agents only showed Mr. Fahandej, who was home alone at the time, a warrant to search the house. Later, when his wife and children returned, they were threatened and interrogated by the agents.”

As of now, no information is available regarding the reasons for his arrest, the charges against him, or his place of detention.

Farhad Fahandej, aged approximately 66, living in Gorgan, has previously faced arrest and judicial persecution due to his faith.

Over the past decade, the Iranian Bahá’í community has been disproportionately targeted by Iran’s security forces and judiciary, more than any other minority group. In the past three years, an average of 72 percent of the reports on religious rights violations collected by HRANA have documented the Iranian regime’s repression of the Bahá’í community.

Baha’i Citizen Venus Maghsoudi Arrested in Urmia

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, Urmia, Venus Maghsoudi, ونوس مقصودی

HRANA – Yesterday, November 11, Venus Maghsoudi, a Baha’i citizen residing in Urmia, was arrested by security forces at her home and taken to an undisclosed location. During the arrest, the agents searched the residence and confiscated some of her personal belongings as well as the mobile phones of her guests.

According to a source close to Maghsoudi’s family confirmed the arrest, stating: “This morning, several officers from the Urmia Intelligence Department entered Ms. Maghsoudi’s home and arrested her using violence.”

HRANA has learned that, in addition to searching her residence, the officers also searched the home of Ms. Maghsoudi’s mother, who lives downstairs and is currently ill and under medical treatment.

There is still no information about the charges against Ms. Maghsoudi or her current whereabouts.

Venus Maghsoudi, a Baha’i citizen living in Urmia, is the mother of two children, aged three and eleven.

Over the past decade, the Iranian Bahá’í community has been disproportionately targeted by Iran’s security forces and judiciary, more than any other minority group. In the past three years, an average of 72 percent of the reports on religious rights violations collected by HRANA have documented the Iranian regime’s repression of the Bahá’í community.