Tag: Baha’i citizens

Rouya Ostovar Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison and Additional Punishments

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizens, HRANA, Rouya Ostovar, رویا استوار

HRANA – The conviction of Rouya Ostovar, a Baha’i citizen from Isfahan, has been fully upheld by Branch 47 of the Isfahan Province Court of Appeals. She had previously been sentenced to six years in prison along with additional penalties.

According to HRANA, on Tuesday, May 19, the sentence issued against Rouya Ostovar was upheld in its entirety by Branch 47 of the Isfahan Province Court of Appeals.

According to the court ruling, Ms. Ostovar was sentenced to five years in prison, a monetary fine, and deprivation of social rights for 15 years on charges of “conducting educational and promotional activities deemed contrary to Islamic law through the creation and administration of a WhatsApp group related to the Baha’i faith.” She was also sentenced to one year in prison on charges of “propaganda against the regime through publishing content online.”

The international Baha’i community has issued a statement expressing concern regarding the sentence imposed on this Baha’i citizen.

In response to the ruling, Ms. Ostovar stated that the WhatsApp group in question had only nine members, three of whom were Baha’is. According to her, the evidence presented against her mainly consisted of congratulatory messages for various occasions and an image in which a symbol of the Baha’i faith appeared in part of the picture.

The lower court’s verdict was formally communicated to her in April of this year.

Over the past decade, the Baha’i community in Iran has been subjected to more security and judicial pressure than any other religious minority in the country. HRA’s annual reports indicate that in 2025, an average of 62.41% of all reports concerning religious minorities involved violations of the rights of Baha’i citizens.

Arrest of Two Bahá’í citizens by Security Forces in Mashhad

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizens, Mashhad, Payam Faridian, Sepehr Koushkbagi, Vakilabad prison

HRANA- Sepehr Koushkbagi and Payam Faridian, both Bahá’í citizens, have been arrested by security forces in Mashhad.

According to information received by HRANA, Koushkbagi was arrested on January 11, 2026, at the home of one of his friends by agents of the Mashhad Intelligence Department. He was later transferred to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad following interrogation. Mr. Faridian was also arrested on January 22, 2026, at his pottery workshop in Mashhad by security forces. Five days after his arrest, no information has been obtained regarding his place of detention.

As of the time of this report, no information is available regarding the charges brought against these Bahá’í citizens.

Sepehr Koushkbagi is a 31-year-old Bahá’í citizen residing in Mashhad. Payam Faridian is a photographer and potter living in Mashhad.

Shahram Fallah, Baha’i Citizen, Arrested in Kerman

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizens, HRANA, Kerman, Shahram Fallah

HRANA – On the evening of Monday, August 18, 2025, Shahram Fallah, a 64-year-old Baha’i citizen of Kerman, was arrested at his home by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence and transferred to that agency’s detention facility.

A source close to the family told HRANA: “Intelligence agents in Kerman came to Mr. Fallah’s home that evening and arrested him while several guests were present. They confiscated the mobile phones of family members and guests, along with a number of Mr. Fallah’s religious books and images. Since his arrest, he has not contacted his family.”

The reasons for his arrest and the charges against him remain unknown.

Mr. Fallah has previously faced judicial harassment, arrest, and imprisonment.

Recently, HRANA published a statistical report on the widespread human rights violations against Baha’i citizens in Iran over the past five years.

Retrial of 15 Baha’i Women in Isfahan Revolutionary Court on Charges of Educational and Promotional Activities Against Islamic Law

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News, Religious Minorities
Azita Rezvani-Khah, Baha'i citizens, Baharestan, Bashra Motahar, Farkhandeh Rezvan Pay, Firoozeh Rastinejad, Isfahan, Maryam Khorsandi, Mojdeh Bahamin, Mojgan Pourshafe Ardestani, Nasrin Khademi Qahfarrokh, Nooshin Hemmat, Roya Azad Khosh, Samira Shakib, Sanaz Rasteh, Sara Shakib, Sholeh Ashouri, Shurangiz Bahamin

Fifteen Baha’i citizens from Baharestan, Isfahan, have once again been tried in the First Branch of the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan. Previously, this case had been returned from the Isfahan Court of Appeals to the Revolutionary Court for correction of deficiencies.

The retrial session took place today, Wednesday, September 25, 2024, in the First Branch of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court. Those on trial include Mojgan Pourshafe Ardestani, Nasrin Khademi Qahfarrokh, Azita Rezvani-Khah, Sholeh Ashouri, Mojdeh Bahamin, Bashra Motahar, Sara Shakib, Samira Shakib, Roya Azad Khosh, Nooshin Hemmat, Shurangiz Bahamin, Sanaz Rasteh, Maryam Khorsandi, Farkhandeh Rezvan Pay, and Firoozeh Rastinejad, all of whom are Baha’i citizens residing in Isfahan. They are facing charges of “educational/promotional activities against Islamic law.”

This case was initially sent to the Court of Appeals after a verdict was issued in the First Branch of the Revolutionary Court a few weeks ago. However, the Court of Appeals identified flaws and returned the case to the Revolutionary Court for corrections.

In late May 2024, these fifteen Baha’i women were sentenced by the same branch to five years of imprisonment, paying a fine, five years of deprivation from social services, and a two-year travel ban, all for the same charges of “educational/promotional activities against Islamic law.”

Among these individuals, Roya Azad Khosh, Azita Rezvani-Khah, Sara Shakib, Sanaz Rasteh, Sholeh Ashouri, Shurangiz Bahamin, Firoozeh Rastinejad, Maryam Khorsandi, Mojgan Pourshafe, Nasrin Khademi, and Nooshin Hemmat were arrested in 2021 and later released on bail.

Additionally, the homes of Bahamin, Rezvan Pay, Motahhar, and Samira Shakib had previously been searched by security forces.

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.

 

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

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News, Religious Minorities
Ahmad Ganjali Darani, Arash Nabavi, Arshia Rouhani, Baha'i citizens, Hamid Monzavi, HRANA

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.

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Baha’i Family Receives Prison Sentences in Bojnurd

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizens, Bojnurd, Faran Senaei, Shayan Senaei, Sholeh Shahidi

The Revolutionary Court of Bojnurd handed down prison sentences to Sholeh Shahidi and her two sons, Faran and Shayan Senaei, on January 9, 2024.

As per the recent ruling, Shayan Senaei has been sentenced to two years and two months, coupled with a fine, while Faran Senaei has received a two-year and six-month prison term, and Sholeh Shahidi is required to pay a fine.

In addition to imprisonment, the court imposed ten years of deprivation from certain social public services and the confiscation of some of their assets.

The charges leading to their conviction include “engaging in educational activities and propaganda against Islamic Sharia.” The court cited activities such as publishing posts on social media as examples of this charge.

Security forces arrested these Baha’i citizens at their Bojnurd residence on July 13, 2022. They were released on bail on August 4, 2022.

Notably, Sholeh Shahidi has previously faced legal challenges.

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.

Six Baha’i Citizens’ Sentences Reduced to 29 Years and 10 Months on Appeal

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News, Religious Minorities
Arsalan Yazdani, Baha'i citizens, HRANA, Iraj Shakoor, Pedram Abhar, Saba Sefidi, Saeedeh Khozuei, Samira Ebrahimi

The Tehran Court of Appeals has revised the sentences of six Baha’i citizens, resulting in a combined prison term of 29 years and 10 months. The affected individuals are Saeedeh Khozuei, Saba Sefidi, Iraj Shakoor, Samira Ebrahimi, Pedram Abhar, and Arsalan Yazdani.

Presiding over Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals, Judge Abasasli issued the following breakdown for the revised sentences: Khozuei and Yazdani will serve six years each, Shakoor and Abhar five years each, Ebrahimi four years and five months, and Sefidi three years and five months.

A source close to the families, speaking to HRANA, revealed that “the government will confiscate the properties seized from these citizens during their arrest.”

The charges against each individual are as follows:

  • Saeedeh Khozuei: Five years for “membership in anti-regime groups” and one year for “propaganda against the regime.”
  • Arsalan Yazdani: Five years for “membership in anti-regime groups” and one year for “propaganda against the regime.”
  • Iraj Shakoor: Five years for “membership in anti-regime groups.”
  • Pedram Abhar: Five years for “membership in anti-regime groups.”
  • Samira Ebrahimi: Three years and five months for “membership in anti-regime groups” and one year for “propaganda against the regime.”
  • Saba Sefidi: Three years and five months for “membership in anti-regime groups.”

Initially, the Tehran Revolutionary Court had sentenced them to a combined 32 years and 10 months.

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.

Arrests of Five Baha’i Citizens in Karaj Heighten Concerns

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizens, Fahimeh Yazdi, Foad Taefi, Iman Ehsani, Iren Rahmani, Karaj, Reza Yazdi

In a recent development, security forces in Karaj have detained Baha’i citizens Iman Ehsani, Iren Rahmani, Foad Taefi, Reza Yazdi, and Fahimeh Yazdi.

According to information received by HRANA, the Ministry of Intelligence apprehended these individuals on Tuesday, November 7. The exact location of their detention remains unknown, intensifying concerns among their families.

Iman Ehsani and Iren Rahmani are parents of two sons aged 2 and 4.

This incident follows HRANA’s prior report on the arrest of four other Baha’is in Karaj. The reasons behind these detentions and the charges against the individuals are currently undisclosed, adding to the growing uncertainty surrounding the situation.

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.

 

Four Baha’i Women Sentenced to Imprisonment

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News, Religious Minorities
Azita Foroughi, Baha'i citizens, Hadi Mansouri, Mashhad, Nasim Sabeti, Rouya Ezabadi, Soheila Ahmadi

In a recent ruling, Nasim Sabeti, Azita Foroughi, Rouya Ezabadi, and Soheila Ahmadi, all members of the Baha’i faith, were handed down a prison sentence of three years and eight months.

The Mashhad Revolutionary Court, led by Judge Hadi Mansouri, has sentenced each of these Baha’i residents of Mashhad to three years imprisonment for alleged “involvement with groups deemed a threat to national security” and an additional eight months for “disseminating propaganda against the government.”

Should the verdict stand after the appeal process, in accordance with Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, a three-year prison term will be enforced.

Legal proceedings against these individuals commenced in July of this year.

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.

Four Baha’i Citizens Arrested in Yazd

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizens, HRANA, Jamal Ghadirzadeh, Mojgan Basiri, Shokoofeh Basiri, Vida Ahrari, Yazd

On Sunday, October 1, 2023, security forces detained Baha’i citizens Vida Ahrari, Mojgan Basiri, Shokoofeh Basiri, and Jamal Ghadirzadeh in Yazd and transferred them to undisclosed locations.

According to an insider source who informed HRANA, these individuals were guests at Mrs. Basiri’s residence when security agents conducted a raid and apprehended them. Additionally, searches were carried out at the residences of all four Baha’i individuals.

The motives behind their arrests, as well as their current whereabouts, remain unknown.

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.