On August 5, 34 years old Matin Fahandej Saadi, a Baha’i citizen residing in Kerman, was arrested by IRGC intelligence of the city and transferred to an unknown location.
A source close to the family confirmed this news to HRANA and said: “Matin Fahandej Saadi was arrested at his father’s workplace by the IRGC intelligence forces of Kerman. The security forces then went to his business, a pet boarding house, searched the place, and confiscated some personal belongings and CCTV cameras.”
The source added: “Despite the family’s efforts to follow up on Matin’s status at the local police station, Kerman’s Judicial Branch No. 5, and the IRGC intelligence office in Kerman, they have not received any information regarding the reasons for his arrest or his whereabouts. Judge Hadi Khalooie is in charge of this Baha’i citizen’s case and has issued a 48-hour detention order. The Kerman prosecutor’s office informed the family that they need to wait until August 10 for the case to be registered and then follow up on Matin Fahandej Saadi’s status. Matin has only had one brief phone call with his family since his arrest.”
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.