Iran: Religious issues and persecution – Monthly Digest July
Christians
Christian convert reportedly threatened with second conviction for publicising case
Article 18 (29.07.2024) A Christian convert serving a two-year prison sentence for “acting against national security by connecting with ‘Zionist’ Christian organisations” has reportedly been threatened with another conviction as a result of the publicity her case has received.
According to Persian-language website Human Rights in Iran, Laleh Saati, who has been in Tehran’s Evin Prison since February, was recently taken back from the women’s ward to the infamous Ward 209, which is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Intelligence, for a 24-hour interrogation.
Minorities: From Zarif’s imaginary world to the reality of discrimination in the Islamic Republic
Article 18 (23.07.2024) – Iran’s former foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has emphasised “positive discrimination” for women and minorities in his new role as head of the transitional council responsible for evaluating governmental candidates, but it is the Islamic Republic itself that has been the main source of discrimination and oppression over the past 45 years.
The Islamic Republic has deprived millions of Iranians, such as Christian converts, Baha’is, and followers of the Yarsan faith, of basic citizenship and human rights solely because of their beliefs and convictions.
Article18 submits joint report ahead of Iran’s next UN review
Article 18 (18.07.2024) – Article18 has submitted a joint report to the UN Human Rights Council ahead of Iran’s upcoming Universal Periodic Review, highlighting the ongoing rights violations experienced by Christians.
In the submission, written in collaboration with partner organisations Open Doors, CSW and Middle East Concern, we outline the primary violations and provide recommendations for UN member states to ensure Iran is held to account.
Baha’is
Alborz; Baha’i adherent, Nahid Behrouzi arrested by Iranian Security Forces
Iran Press Watch (30.07.2024) – Nahid Behrouzi (Farvahari), a Baha’i resident of Fardis County, Alborz Province, was arrested by the security forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran and transferred to an unknown location.
According to a report received by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, on Monday, July 29, 2024, Nahid Behrouzi was arrested during a raid by Iran Intelligence Department forces on her private residence in Fardis, Alborz, and was transferred to an unknown location.
Baha’i scholar depicts harsh realities of Iran prison
Iran Press Watch (24.07.2024) – In a letter from Evin Prison, Keyvan Rahimian, a Baha’i psychologist, has painted a stark picture of life in confinement and challenged the Iranian government’s treatment of its citizens.
The letter, Rahimian’s third correspondence from behind bars, examines individual and social freedoms in Iran and the country’s economic hardships.
Rahimian’s latest letter raises questions about the potential for change in Iran.
Baha’i Citizen Mojgan Salmanzadeh detained in Urmia prison
Iran Press Watch (25.07.2024) – A source close to the family confirmed this news to HRANA, stating: “Ms. Salmanzadeh was arrested by security forces on July 4th in the city of Maku and recently informed her family in a phone call that she has been transferred to the public ward of Urmia Prison. Also, temporary release has not yet been possible for this Baha’i citizen.”
As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained about the reasons for her arrest and the charges against her.
Fars Province appeals Court upholds sentences against three Baha’i citizens
Iran Press Watch (17.07.2024) – The Fars Province Appeals Court has upheld the sentences against Hassan Salehi, Vahid Dana, and Saeed Abedi, Baha’i citizens. These individuals were each sentenced in the initial court to six years, one month, and seventeen days in prison, fines, and social deprivations.
According to these sentences, which were confirmed by Branch 37 of the Fars Province Appeals Court, each individual is sentenced to six years, one month, and seventeen days in prison, a fine, and deprivation of certain social rights for fifteen years.
‘Disappearance’ of bodies of Baha’i citizens after consignment to Behesht Zahra Cemetery in Tehran
Iran Press Watch (10.07.2024) – Radio Farda has learned that following pressure from the Ministry of Intelligence on Baha’i citizens regarding the burial of the bodies of followers of this faith in the Tehran cemetery, “the fate of the bodies of some Baha’i citizens is unknown.”
Informed sources have told Radio Farda that in the past three months there are multiple instances where Baha’i citizens have consigned the bodies of their loved ones to Behesht Zahra Cemetery but are unable to follow through with appropriate burial as they cannot obtain any information on the status of those bodies.
Parliamentarians across Europe issue joint statement on the situation of Baha’i women in Iran
Iran Press watch (10.07.2024) – In a significant intervention, the European Union, along with more than 50 members of parliament (MPs) and senators from several European countries, have called on the Iranian government to end its persecution of the country’s Baha’i religious minority.
The EU’s statement, issued as a response to a parliamentary question at the European Parliament, said “the EU firmly calls on the Iranian authorities to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all Iranians, including persons belonging to ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities such as the Baha’is.”
Baha’i Citizen Payam Vali receives one year in prison and other punishments
Iran Press Watch (10.07.2024) – Payam Vali, a Baha’i citizen, has been sentenced by the Karaj Revolutionary Court to one year in prison, a two-year travel ban, and a ban on social media use in relation to a case opened against him during his imprisonment. He is currently serving a previous sentence in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.
Based on a verdict issued on Saturday, June 29, 2024, by Branch 3 of the Karaj Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Narimani, Vali was sentenced to one year in prison, a two-year travel ban, and a ban on social media use for the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”