Several Followers of a Religious Movement Arrested in Torbat Heydariyeh

The Public Prosecutor of Torbat Heydariyeh, Razavi Khorasan province, announced the arrest of several followers of the “Yamani” movement in the city. Their residences and workplaces were searched, and some personal belongings were confiscated during the operation.

According to HRANA, quoting IRNA, the detainees were accused of promoting beliefs related to Mahdism through online sessions and recruiting individuals, particularly youth, to their cause.

Prosecutor Mohammad-Hossein Hassannejad did not specify the number or identities of the detainees but stated that the arrests were part of a coordinated operation by intelligence agencies.

He added that various items, including digital media production equipment, symbols of the movement, dozens of books, brochures, and flags, were confiscated during the searches.

Each year, individuals in Iran are arrested for claiming spiritual connections to the Mahdi, the Twelfth Imam of Shia Islam. Among these groups, the Yamani movement, led by Ahmad al-Hassan Yamani, stands out for its prominent activities and claims centered on Mahdism.

The Iranian government’s intelligence apparatus, particularly the Ministry of Intelligence, actively targets religious, spiritual, and ideological groups that fall outside its accepted ideological framework.

Hashem Amini Sentenced to 13 Years In Prison

Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Torbat Heydariyeh sentenced Hashem Amini to 13 years in prison. Grounded on Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, if confirmed on appeal, the severest punishment of 5 years will be enforceable.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, Amini, a resident of Bajestan was charged with “membership in anti-regime groups, offensive statements against the Supreme Leader of Iran and participation in an illegal assembly”. The verdict was issued by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Torbat Heydariyeh.

Amini has to face other charges in a separate legal case. On June 17, 2021,  security forces arrested him at his home in Bajestan City and transferred him to a detention centre at the disposal of the Ministry of Intelligence in Mashhad City. On July 8, 2021, he was released on bail. For this case, his trial will be held at Branch 2 of the Criminal Court on February 27, 2022.