On November 10, Vahid Masoumi, Rozita Eslami, and Elham Haghighatjou, Baha’i citizens residing in Shiraz, were arrested by security forces and transferred to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as “House No 100.”

According to reports received by HRANA, Mr. Masoumi was arrested by Intelligence Ministry agents while leaving his home and taken to the facility. During the arrest, the agents searched his vehicle and residence, seizing several personal belongings, including electronic devices, books, and family photos.

Ms. Eslami was also arrested at her residence following a search of the premises.

As of the time of this report, no information is available regarding the charges against the three detainees.

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.