Baha’i Citizen Ahmad Naeimi Arrested in Yazd

On October 5, 2023, Ministry of Intelligence agents apprehended Baha’i citizen Ahmad Naeimi (Naeemi) in Yazd and subsequently transported him to a detention facility.

According to a source closely connected to Naeimi’s family who informed HRANA, two agents detained Naeimi at his workplace. As of now, the exact reasons for his arrest and the specific allegations against him remain undisclosed.

HRANA’s annual report has highlighted a concerning trend where, in 2022, 64.63% of reported human rights violations against religious minorities are directed toward the Baha’i community.

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.

Baha’i Citizen Iman Rashidi Detained in Yazd

Iman Rashidi, a Baha’i citizen, was taken into custody on October 5, 2023, by agents from the Ministry of Intelligence in Yazd, and subsequently transported to an undisclosed detention facility.

According to a source close to his family, HRANA has learned that Rashidi’s wife was leaving their residence when she was confronted and encircled by intelligence agents. Under duress, she was compelled to lead the agents to Mr. Rashidi’s location, resulting in his arrest.

During the operation, the agents also conducted a search of his residence and confiscated some of his personal belongings.

As of now, the reasons behind Rashidi’s arrest and the specific allegations against him remain unknown.

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.

Azerbaijani-Turk Activist Abbas Lisani’s Exile Term Extended

The Ardabil Court of Appeals has extended the mandatory residence period in Yazd for Azerbaijani-Turk activist Abbas Lisani (Lesani) by one-third.

Branch 1 of the Ardabil Court of Appeals made this decision due to allegations that Lisani had violated the terms of his exile.

In a previous retrial, Branch 1 of Iran’s Supreme Court had sentenced Lisani to eight years in prison and two years of exile in Yazd County. This sentence was based on charges of “creating and leading groups with the intent of undermining national security.” However, he was acquitted of the charge of “acting against national security,” for which he had initially received a five-year prison sentence.

Lisani was placed in exile after his release from Ardabil prison on February 21, 2023.

Lisani has a long history of arrests and convictions stemming from his peaceful activism.

Four Baha’i Citizens Arrested in Yazd

On Sunday, October 1, 2023, security forces detained Baha’i citizens Vida Ahrari, Mojgan Basiri, Shokoofeh Basiri, and Jamal Ghadirzadeh in Yazd and transferred them to undisclosed locations.

According to an insider source who informed HRANA, these individuals were guests at Mrs. Basiri’s residence when security agents conducted a raid and apprehended them. Additionally, searches were carried out at the residences of all four Baha’i individuals.

The motives behind their arrests, as well as their current whereabouts, remain unknown.

HRANA’s annual report has highlighted a concerning trend where, in 2022, 64.63% of reported human rights violations against religious minorities are directed toward the Baha’i community.

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.

 

Teacher Union Activist Mohammad-Sadegh Fahimi Arrested in Yazd

Teacher union activist Mohammad-Sadegh Fahimi was arrested in Yazd following pensioners’ protest rallies. The Coordination Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations reported his detention and transfer to an undisclosed facility. It has been confirmed that Fahimi was apprehended by security forces at his residence.

The specific cause for Fahimi’s arrest and the allegations against him remain unknown at this time.

Fahimi is an active member of the Iranian Teachers’ Trade Association in Yazd Province.

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Majid Khademi Imprisoned in Behbahan Prison for Sentencing

On Tuesday, August 22, Majid Khademi, aged 31, a resident of Behbahan, commenced serving his sentence in Behbahan Prison.

Khademi was summoned by the Public and Revolutionary Court of Behbahan to appear for sentencing. Initially handed a ten-year and one-month sentence, Khademi’s legal journey took a turn after his plea of no contest and a subsequent reduction in his punishment. The final verdict stipulates five years and five months of imprisonment for “assembly and collusion against national security,” in addition to one year and four months for “spreading propaganda against the regime.” Pursuant to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, an enforceable sentence of five years, five months, and 18 days has been established.

In addition to his prison term, Khademi has been subjected to supplementary penalties, including a mandatory two-year residency requirement in Taft County within the Yazd province, along with a prohibition from engaging in civil/political groups for a duration of two years. Furthermore, his participation in orientation classes has been mandated.

Khademi also finds himself grappling with another legal case that stems from an arrest on June 22, 2022, following a court appearance at the Mahshahr Revolutionary Court. After a period of detention, he was eventually released on bail from Sheyban Prison in Ahvaz.

On January 18, 2020, Khademi was arrested by IRGC Intelligence and subsequently taken to a detention facility in Behbahan City. Following one month of interrogation, he was transferred to Behbahan Prison. On June 15, 2021, Khademi was released on bail of 2.5 billion tomans until the conclusion of legal proceedings.

 

Iran’s Execution Rate Rises Alarmingly with At Least 57 Executions in Eleven Days

Over the past eleven days, at least 57 prisoners, including two women and two prisoners of conscience, have been executed in various Iranian prisons. The executions were for drug-related crimes, murder, “spreading corruption on earth,” and blasphemy. HRANA has compiled a statistical analysis of the details of the executions during this period.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, there has been a noticeable increase in the execution of prisoners in Iranian prisons from April 28 to May 9, 2023.

Based on the reports compiled by HRANA, the death sentences were carried out in several prisons, including Rajai Shahr (Karaj), Ghezel Hesar (Karaj), Urmia, Salmas, Ardabil, Dastgerd (Isfahan), Vakilabad (Mashhad), Neishabur, Torbat-e-Jam, Rasht, Yazd, Birjand, Qazvin, Minab, Bandar Abbas, Zahedan, Khorramabad, and Iranshahr.

Out of the 57 executed prisoners, 36 were convicted of drug-related charges, 17 for murder, two for insulting the Prophet of Islam, and one for alleged “spreading corruption on earth.” In one case the charges remain unknown.

At least 38 death-row prisoners were also transferred to solitary confinement in Salmas, Urmia, Khorin, Ghezel Hesar (Karaj), Yazd, Bandar Abbas, Birjand, Adelabad (Shiraz) and Zahedan, which could be a prelude to their execution. HRANA is investigating their fate, and the statistics presented in this report could increase.

As of the time of writing, most of these executions have not been announced by official sources or media inside Iran.

The issuance and execution of death sentences violate the right to live and have been heavily criticized by international organizations, with Iran ranking first globally in execution rate per capita.

On May 9, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk called these recent increases in executions “frightening” and urged Iranian authorities to halt all executions. “On average so far this year, over 10 people are put to death each week in Iran, making it one of the world’s highest executors,” said Türk.

In 2022, the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists in Iran registered 457 reports on the execution of 565 people and death sentences for 92 people, six of whom were sentenced to be hanged in public. Of these 565 executions, two death sentences were carried out in public, and five were juvenile offenders who were under 18 years old at the time of committing the alleged crime.

The breakdown of charges for these executions is as follows: 122 individuals were executed for drug-related offenses, 59 for murder, 6 for undisclosed charges, 1 for adultery, 1 for ideological charges, 1 for corruption, 1 for Moharebeh (political security), and 1 for non-political Moharebeh.

Skylar Thompson, the head of Global Advocacy and Accountability of Human Rights Activists, stated that “the surging rate of executions in Iran illustrates an utter disregard for human life. Under no circumstance does the ongoing use of the death penalty, for drug-related offenses in particular, amount to what is permittable under international law. Iranian authorities have an absolute obligation to uphold international human rights standards and instead, there is ongoing impunity for grave violations of the right to life–and more. The international community must not delay in sounding the alarm, they should call for a stay of executions for those currently facing execution and a moratorium on the death penalty, at a minimum, for crimes not amounting to “most serious” under international law.”

 

 

Alarming Surge in Executions in Iran: At Least 45 Executions in Seven Days

Over the past week, at least 45 prisoners, including two women, have been executed in various Iranian prisons for drug-related crimes and murder, marking a growing trend of execution in the country. HRANA has compiled a statistical analysis of the details of the executions during this period.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, there has been a noticeable increase in the execution of prisoners in Iranian prisons over the past week.

Based on the reports compiled by HRANA, the death sentences were carried out in several prisons, including Rajai Shahr (Karaj), Ghezel Hesar (Karaj), Urmia, Ardabil, Dastgerd (Isfahan), Vakilabad (Mashhad), Neishabur, Torbat-e-Jam, Rasht, Yazd, Birjand, Qazvin, Minab, Bandar Abbas, Zahedan, Khorramabad, and Iranshahr.

Out of the 45 executed prisoners, 29 were convicted of drug-related charges, while at least 15 were executed for murder.
At least 19 death-row prisoners were also transferred to solitary confinement in Salmas, Urmia, Khorin, Ghezel Hesar (Karaj), Yazd, Bandar Abbas, Birjand, and Zahedan, which could be a prelude to their execution. HRANA is investigating their fate, and the statistics presented in this report could increase.

As of the time of writing, most of these executions have not been announced by official sources or media inside Iran.

The issuance and execution of death sentences violate the right to live and have been heavily criticized by international organizations, with Iran ranking first globally in execution rate per capita.

In 2022, the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists in Iran registered 457 reports on the execution of 565 people and death sentences for 92 people, six of whom were sentenced to be hanged in public. Of these 565 executions, two death sentences were carried out in public, and five were juvenile offenders who were under 18 years old at the time of committing the alleged crime.

At least 192 people, including 8 women, have been executed in Iran from January 1 to May 5. The majority of these executions were for drug-related offenses and murder. Moreover, 71 death sentences were issued, and 27 other sentences were confirmed by the Supreme Court.

The breakdown of charges for these executions is as follows: 122 individuals were executed for drug-related offenses, 59 for murder, 6 for undisclosed charges, 1 for adultery, 1 for ideological charges, 1 for corruption, 1 for Moharebeh (political security), and 1 for non-political Moharebeh.

Skylar Thompson, the head of Global Advocacy and Accountability of Human Rights Activists, stated that “the surging rate of executions in Iran illustrates an utter disregard for human life. Under no circumstance does the ongoing use of the death penalty, for drug-related offenses in particular, amount to what is permittable under international law. Iranian authorities have an absolute obligation to uphold international human rights standards and instead, there is ongoing impunity for grave violations of the right to life–and more. The international community must not delay in sounding the alarm, they should call for a stay of executions for those currently facing execution and a moratorium on the death penalty, at a minimum, for crimes not amounting to “most serious” under international law.”

Seven Inmates Executed in Yazd, Mashhad and Birjand

HRANA, Human Rights Activists News Agency-Haal Vsh reports the execution of seven inmates on May 4, 2023, across three different prisons in Iran: five in Yazd prison, one in Birjand, and one in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

Among the five executed in Yazd, three have been identified as Saboor Shah-Bakhsh (23), Amir Rameshk (34), and Abdolbasir Bazhm (29). These prisoners were convicted of drug-related crimes in recent years. The identities of the other two inmates remain unknown, but it is reported that one was convicted of drug-related crimes and the other of murder.

Additionally, on the same day, an inmate named Nour-Ahmad Zavarzahi from Zahedan was executed in Vakilabad prison, Mashhad. He had been sentenced to death for drug offenses two years ago.

On April 29, Birjand Prison officials executed an inmate identified as Jaber Aminifar without notifying his family. He was imprisoned for several years.

None of the official sources and media outlets inside the country has reported these executions at the time of writing.

In 2022, the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists in Iran registered 457 reports related to the death penalty. This included 92 death sentences, including the conviction of 6 people to public execution and 565 execution sentences were carried out, 2 of which have been carried out in public. Based on the announced identifications of some of the executed individuals, 501 were male and 11 were female. In addition, 5 juvenile offenders were executed in 2022, meaning they were under the age of 18 at the time they committed the crime.

 

Iran Protests: Mehdi Dastani Sentenced to Imprisonment and Flogging

The Yazd Criminal Court sentenced teacher Mehdi Dastani, arrested at the 2022 nationwide protests, to one year in prison and 74 lashes, a ban from leaving the country and termination of service as a teacher.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, Medi Dastani, a teacher and resident of Yazd, was sentenced to one year in prison and flogging.

Dastani received this verdict for “disturbing public order by creating traffic on the street and accompanying troublemakers.” This verdict was upheld on appeal.

An informed source told HRANA, “last March, Dastani was summoned to endure flogging and start serving his sentence.”

“He was acquitted from other charges due to the lack of evidence,” the source added.

On September 28, 2022, Dastani was arrested at nationwide protests by security forces in Yazd and released after three days on 700-million-toman bail.

About the 2022 Nationwide Protests

The arrest of Mahsa Amini by Tehran Morality Police for her improper hejab and her suspicious death on September 16 sparked protests sweeping across Iran. During the nationwide protests, about 19600 people, including journalists, artists, lawyers, teachers, students and civil rights activists, were arrested.