Payam Faridian’s Prison Sentence Reduced to Two Years on Appeal

HRANA – Payam Faridian, a Baha’i citizen residing in Mashhad who had previously been sentenced to three years in prison by Branch 2 of the city’s Revolutionary Court, received a reduced sentence on appeal. Branch 5 of the Razavi Khorasan Province Court of Appeals reduced his prison sentence to two years.

According to HRANA, the prison sentence of Payam Faridian, a Baha’i citizen residing in Mashhad, was reduced on appeal.

According to information received by HRANA, Mr. Faridian had previously been sentenced by Branch 2 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court to three years in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion,” pursuant to Article 610 of the Islamic Penal Code.

Following the filing of an appeal, his case was reviewed by Branch 5 of the Razavi Khorasan Province Court of Appeals, which reduced Payam Faridian’s prison sentence from three years to two years.

Payam Faridian is a photographer and ceramic artist residing in Mashhad. He was previously arrested by security forces at his workplace in Mashhad on January 22, 2026.

He was ultimately released on bail.

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

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.