Children’s Rights Activist Zohreh Sayadi Imprisoned in Evin Prison

HRANA, Human Rights Activists News Agency- Zohreh Sayadi, a dedicated advocate for children’s rights and a resident of Tehran, was sent to Evin Prison on May 30, 2023, to commence her one-year sentence. Despite her ongoing medical treatment and deteriorating health condition, authorities proceeded with her imprisonment, disregarding the unbearable toll it will have on her well-being.

An informed source, speaking to HRANA, disclosed that the Tehran Court of Appeals upheld Sayadi’s one-year sentence on Monday, May 29, immediately summoning her for the execution of this prison sentence. The following day, Sayadi appeared before the court, only to be arrested and subsequently transferred to Evin Prison. The source further revealed that Sayadi is battling cancer, and her incarceration has disrupted her critical medical treatment.

On December 10, 2019, security forces apprehended Sayadi at her Tehran residence, taking her to Evin Prison. After enduring a 13-day period in custody, she was finally released on bail.

Sayadi holds a degree in literature and is an activist dedicated to safeguarding the rights of children, mainly orphaned children, those affected by child labor or lacking proper documentation.

Baha’i Children’s Rights Activist Samin Ehsani Imprisoned

On Wednesday, June 15, 2022, Baha’i children’s rights activist Samin Ehsani was arrested and taken to Evin Prison to serve a five-year sentence.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, Baha’i children’s rights activist Samin Ehsani was taken to Evin Prison for sentencing.

Earlier, the Revolutionary Court of Tehran sentenced Ehsani to five years in prison on the charges of “propaganda against the regime”, and “membership in the heretical Baha’i sect”. The verdict was issued on July 1, 2012. The verdict was upheld on appeal.

Samin Ehsani has been active in running educational courses for Afghan children who do not have access to education in Iran. During the trial, her activities were presented as an example of the charges.

The deprivation of the freedom to practice their religion is a breach of 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.