Tag: Bahais

Baha’is Shahin Mavaddat and Soodabeh Mahdinzhad Arrested in Gorgan

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i faith, Bahais, Gorgan, HRANA, Shahin Mavaddat, Soodabeh Mahdinzhad, Soodabeh Mehdinejad

On Monday, September 23, 2024, Baháʼí couple Shahin Mavaddat and Soodabeh Mahdinzhad, residents of Gorgan, were arrested by security forces at their home and taken to an undisclosed location. The agents also conducted a thorough search of their residence, seizing multiple electronic devices and religious books.

A source close to the family confirmed to HRANA: “On Monday, 10 Ministry of Intelligence agents arrived at the home of Shahin Mavaddat and Soodabeh Mahdinzhad with a search and arrest warrant. They detained the couple following a two-hour search, during which they confiscated mobile phones, personal electronic devices, Baháʼí religious texts, and the home’s CCTV system.”

The source added that security forces also examined the electronic devices of other family members. During the entire search, the agents recorded the events using three cameras.

As of now, no information has been released regarding the reasons for their arrest or their current whereabouts.

Soodabeh Mahdinzhad has a prior history of arrest and sentencing due to her 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 Citizen Nahid Behroozi Arrested

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News, Religious Minorities
Alborz province, Bahais, Fardis County, Nahid Behroozi, ناهید بهروزی

On July 29, the Ministry of Intelligence arrested Nahid Behroozi (Forouhari), a Baha’i citizen residing in Fardis County, Alborz Province. They also searched her residence and confiscated several of her personal belongings.

A source close to this citizen’s family confirmed the news to HRANA, saying: “Ms. Behroozi was arrested today, Monday, July 29, 2024, by Ministry of Intelligence agents at her home. The agents also searched her home and confiscated several items, including her mobile phone, laptop, and computer.”

So far, the reasons for her arrest and the charges against Ms. Behroozi have not been disclosed.

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 Payam Vali Receives One Year in Prison and Other Punishments

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News, Religious Minorities
Alborz Revolutionary Court, Bahais, Ghezel Hesar prison, Payam Vali

Payam Vali, a Baha’i citizen, has been sentenced by the Karaj Revolutionary Court to one year in prison, a two-year travel ban, and a ban on social media use in relation to a case opened against him during his imprisonment. He is currently serving a previous sentence in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

Based on a verdict issued on Saturday, June 29, 2024, by Branch 3 of the Karaj Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Narimani, Vali was sentenced to one year in prison, a two-year travel ban, and a ban on social media use for the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

The hearing for Vali’s charges was held on June 8 this year in the aforementioned branch.

A close associate of Vali told HRANA, “Publishing an open letter from prison was cited as evidence for the charges against him.” In this letter, Vali protested his illegal detention and the charges against him, and copies were sent to several political and judicial leaders of the Islamic Republic.

Vali’s arrest took place on September 24, 2022, when security forces apprehended him at his residence in Karaj and conducted a search of his house. Subsequently, he was detained in Rajai Shahr Prison before being relocated to Ghezel Hesar Prison.

In early February of the same year, Vali was sentenced by Branch 1 of the Alborz Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Seyed Mousa Asef Hosseini, to ten years in prison for “collaborating with hostile governments,” five years for “inciting people to war and killing each other,” one year for “propaganda against the regime,” with credit for time served, and additional punishments including a two-year travel ban post-imprisonment and two years of compulsory residence in Yasuj with weekly reporting to the Revolutionary Court.

Finally, on May 10, 2023, his sentence was reduced by the Alborz Court of Appeals to nine years and nine months in prison. Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the most severe punishment, six years in prison, will be enforced. Vali’s request for a retrial was denied by the Supreme Court in early January 2024.

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

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News, Religious Minorities
Arash Nabavi, Bahais, Isfahan, آرش نبوی

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.

Isfahan: Sentencing of Two Bahai Citizens from Imprisonment to Confiscation of Property

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News, Religious Minorities
Arshia Rouhani, Bahais, Hamid Monzavi, Isfahan, ارشیا روحانی, حمید منزوی

Arshia Rouhani and Hamid Monzavi Joshaghani, Bahai citizens residing in Isfahan, were sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of this city to five years in prison each, fines, confiscation of property, and additional punishments.

Based on the verdict issued by Branch 1 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court, presided over by Mohammadreza Tavakoli, each of these Bahá’í citizens was sentenced to five years of imprisonment, a fifty million toman fine, and a two-year ban on social media activity and leaving the country. Additionally, several copy machines, laptops, mobile phones, external storage devices, and scanners previously seized from these citizens’ places of business were confiscated.

The charges against these citizens were “propaganda against the regime” and “membership in groups or associations formed within the country to undermine national security.”

In September of 2023, two business units belonging to these Bahá’í citizens in Isfahan were sealed by the Intelligence Ministry officers for one month. Simultaneously with the sealing of their business premises, several personal and work items of these citizens were seized by security forces. They were subsequently summoned and arrested on October 30, 2023, to the Isfahan Prosecutor’s Office and released after one day on a bail of three hundred million tomans (approximately 6,000 dollars).

Arshia Rouhani has previously faced judicial action due to his 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 Tahereh Nowrouzi Arrested in Shiraz

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News, Religious Minorities
Bahais, Shiraz, Tahereh Nowrouzi

On Sunday, June 9th, Tahereh Nowruzi, a Baha’i resident of Shiraz, was detained by security forces and relocated to an undisclosed location.

A source close to Nowruzi’s family confirmed the incident to HRANA, reporting: “This morning, Sunday, security agents stormed Nowruzi’s home and took her into custody. During the raid, they also conducted a search and seized several of her personal belongings, including her mobile phone, laptop, books, and photographs.”
The source further noted, “Tahereh is the mother of two young children, ages 6 and 2. With her husband residing in a different city, her arrest has severely impacted her children’s well-being.”

Currently, the reasons for Nowruzi’s arrest and details of her detention remain undisclosed.

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 Resident Detained Without Legal Justification in Bukan

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News, Religious Minorities
Agah Sadeghi, Bahai arrested, Bahais, Bukan

Agah Sadeghi, a Baha’i living in Bukan, West Azerbaijan province, has been detained for over three weeks amid legal uncertainty. His family remains uninformed about his condition, heightening their worries.

A source close to Sadeghi’s family confirmed to HRANA that he was arrested by security forces in Bukan three weeks ago. Despite repeated inquiries, Sadeghi’s family has received no information regarding his whereabouts or condition, intensifying their concerns. Following his arrest, security agents also raided his home, conducting a thorough search and confiscating personal items belonging to him and his family.

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.

Fifteen Baha’i Women Receive Total of 75 Years in Prison

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News, Religious Minorities
Azita Rezvani-Khah, Bahais, Baharestan, Bashra Motahar, Farkhandeh Rezvan Pay, Firoozeh Rastinejad, Isfahan County, Maryam Khorsandi, Mojdeh Bahamin, Nasrin Khademi, Noushin Hemmat, Pourshafe Ardestani, Roya Azad Khosh, Samira Shakib, Sanaz Rasteh, Sara Shakib, Shola Ashouri, Shurangiz Bahamin

The Isfahan Revolutionary Court has sentenced 15 Baha’i women from Baharestan, Isfahan County, to a total of 75 years in prison along with other penalties.

The sentenced individuals are Mojgan Pourshafe Ardestani, Nasrin Khademi, Azita Rezvani-Khah, Shola Ashouri, Mojdeh Bahamin, Bashra Motahar, Sara Shakib, Samira Shakib, Roya Azad Khosh, Noushin Hemmat, Shurangiz Bahamin, Sanaz Rasteh, Maryam Khorsandi, Firoozeh Rastinejad, and Farkhandeh Rezvan Pay.

The court’s decision, issued on May 16, 2024, by Branch 1 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court, mandates that each woman serves a five-year prison term. Additionally, they are required to pay a fine, are banned from leaving the country, and are deprived of social services for two years. The charges against them include “propaganda against the regime” and “assisting in propaganda/educational activities contrary to Islamic Sharia.” The women were initially summoned for an arraignment on May 1, 2024.

Among them, Pourshafee, Khademi, Rezvani-Khah, Azad Khosh, Shakib, Raseh, Ashouri, Bahamin, Rastinejad, Khorsandi, and Hemmat were previously arrested in 2021 and later released on bail.

Furthermore, Bahamin, Rezvan Pay, Motahar, and Shakib’s residences were subjected to raids and searches by Intelligence agents.

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.

Fifteen Baha’i Women Summoned to Revolutionary Court of Isfahan

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News, Religious Minorities
Azita Rezvani-Khah, Bahais, Bashra Motahar, Farkhandeh Rezvan Pay, Firoozeh Rastinejad, Isfahan, Maryam Khorsandi, Mojdeh Bahamin, Mojgan Pourshafee, Nasrin Khademi, Noushin Hemmat, Roya Azad Khosh, Samira Shakib, Sanaz Rasteh, Sara Shakib, Shola Ashouri, Shurangiz Bahamin

Fifteen Baha’i women have been summoned to appear before the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan on May 1, 2024.

The women include Mojgan (Mozhgan) Pourshafee, Nasrin Khademi, Azita Rezvani-Khah, Shola Ashouri, Mojdeh Bahamin, Bashra Motahar, Sara Shakib, Samira Shakib, Roya Azad Khosh, Noushin Hemmat, Shurangiz Bahamin, Sanaz Rasteh, Maryam Khorsandi, Firoozeh Rastinejad, and Farkhandeh Rezvan Pay.

On April 8, 2024, they were indicted of “propaganda against the regime” and “assisting in education and propaganda activities against Islamic Sharia.” The indictment was issued on April 8, 2024.

Among them, Pourshafee, Khademi, Rezvani-Khah, Azad Khosh, Shakib, Raseh, Ashouri, Bahamin, Rastinejad, Khorsandi, and Hemmat were previously arrested in 2021 and later released on bail.

Furthermore, Bahamin, Rezvan Pay, Motahar, and Shakib’s residences were subjected to raids and searches by Intelligence agents.

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 Educator Keyvan Rahimian’s Nine-Year Sentence Sustained on Appeal

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News, Religious Minorities
Abbasali Hoozan, Appellate Court of Tehran, Bahais, Keyvan Rahimian, Tehran, کیوان رحیمیان

The Appellate Court of Tehran Province has maintained a nine-year sentence and additional penalties for Baha’i educator Keyvan Rahimian.

In a verdict issued by Branch 36 of the Appellate Court of Tehran Province, presided over by Judge Abbasali Hoozan, Rahimian was sentenced to five years for “educational activities and propagating against the Islamic Sharia” and four years for “assembly and collusion against national security.” Alongside the prison term, Rahimian has been stripped of social rights and fined.

Per Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, five years of the prison term will be enforced.

Rahimian was apprehended by security forces in Tehran on July 18, 2023, and subsequently detained in Evin prison. His detention has been extended for four consecutive months, with Rahimian granted leave from November 25 to 29, 2023, to attend his mother’s funeral.

This is not Rahimian’s first encounter with legal repercussions for his activism. In August 2017, he was released from Rajai Shahr Prison after serving a five-year sentence. The current sentence raises concerns about the continued suppression of Baha’i individuals involved in educational and community activities.

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.