Religious issues and persecution – Monthly Digest August
Christians
Over 300 Christian cases among hacked Tehran judiciary files
Article 18 (29.08.2024) – The case files of over 300 Christians who faced charges related to their faith and religious activities are among the over 3 million prosecutions leaked by hackers of the Tehran judiciary’s website over the past six months, a study by Article18 has revealed.
The data, leaked in stages by Edaalate Ali since February, include the cases of at least 327 Christians prosecuted in the Tehran area between July 2008 and January 2023, including at least seven ordained ministers.
Of the 327 individuals, the vast majority (around 90%) were converts to Christianity; 60% were male; there were eight foreign nationals; three dual nationals; and 22 Christians of Assyrian or Armenian descent – whose faith is recognised by the Islamic Republic, unlike that of converts.
‘I still remember all their threats’
Article 18 (07.08.2024) – Maryam Jalili was 40 years old when she became a Christian, and by then had already been through so much.
At the age of just 17, Maryam’s firstborn son, who had been born in the year of the Islamic Revolution of 1979, died after contracting meningitis. Then, while Maryam was in her late thirties, one of her sisters died in an accident on her way to a family wedding.
At this point, Maryam says she questioned the “justice and wisdom” of God, and despite attending many Islamic ceremonies and gatherings, received “no clear answers” and “couldn’t find the peace and comfort I was desperately seeking”.
UN report: ‘Persecution based on gender, ethnic and religious grounds intersect in Iran’
Article 18 (06.08.24) – A new report from the United Nations’ Fact-Finding Mission says ethnic and religious minorities were singled out in the Iran regime’s crackdown on the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement.
The advocacy paper, ‘”They have dehumanised us”: Minority rights violations during the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement in the Islamic Republic of Iran’, publishedyesterday, says minority groups were “disproportionally” impacted.
Baha’is
Detention order for Baha’i citizen Nahid Behroozi extended
Iran Press Watch (23.08.2024) – A source close to Behroozi’s family confirmed to HRANA: “Today, Ms. Behroozi’s detention order was extended for another week. Despite 25 days having passed since her arrest, she remains in a state of uncertainty in Kachooie Prison, Karaj.”
This Baha’i citizen was transferred to Kachooie Prison, Karaj, on August 15th after completing interrogation at The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility.
Behroozi was arrested by the Ministry of Intelligence agents at her home in Fardis, Alborz province, on Monday, July 29, 2024.
The reasons for Behroozi’s arrest and the charges against her remain unknown.
Three Baha’i citizens sentenced to prison and other penalties on appeal
Iran Press Watch (22.08.2024) – The ruling, issued by Branch 37 of the Isfahan Appeals Court under the presidency of Ahmad Ganjali Darani, sentences each of these Baha’i citizens to two years in prison, a fine of 24 million tomans, and a two-year ban on leaving the country and engaging in online activities. A source close to the family of one of these Baha’i citizens confirmed the news to HRANA, stating that the appeal hearing took place earlier this month in the mentioned branch.
Bahá’í cemetery in Ahvaz subjected to arson
Iran Press Watch (25.07.2024) – The Bahá’í International Community has reported that the Bahá’í cemetery in Ahvaz has been subjected to arson and the destruction of trees. The systematic destruction of Bahá’í sites and cemeteries in various cities by the government or with its the green light has a history of precedent.
The Bahá’í International Community released the following statement:
“The beautiful #Bahai cemetery in #Ahvaz, which has belonged to the Baha’i community for 110 years, has been deliberately set on fire and its ancient and sturdy trees were hewn and cut into pieces. Why? Simply because of religious prejudice against the Baha’is. These heartless acts must stop immediately. #Iran #BahaiRights #OurStoryIsOne”
This continued desecration of Baha’i cemeteries in various locations designated for destruction by the government comes at great personal cost. Bahá’í citizens are deprived of burying their deceased in various cities throughout Iran.
Kerman: Continued detention and uncertainty regarding the Status of Misbah Dolat, a Baha’i citizen
Iran Press Watch (17.08.2024) – Misbah Dolat, a Baha’i citizen residing in Kerman, remains in uncertainty despite the passage of four days since his arrest. The lack of information about this citizen’s condition has heightened the concerns of his family and relatives.
A source close to the family of this Baha’i citizen confirmed this news to HRANA, saying: “On the evening of Sunday, August 4th, Mr. Dolat was arrested by security forces at his workplace in Kerman and was transferred to an unknown location. The lack of information about this citizen’s fate has fueled the worries of his family and relatives.”
As of the time of preparing this report, there is no information about the reasons for the detention, the place of custody, or the charges against this Baha’i citizen.
Baha’i citizen Matin Fahandej Saadi arrested by security forces
Iran Press Watch (21.08.2024) – A source close to the family confirmed this news to HRANA and said: “Matin Fahandej Saadi was arrested at his father’s workplace by the IRGC intelligence forces of Kerman. The security forces then went to his business, a pet boarding house, searched the place, and confiscated some personal belongings and CCTV cameras.”
The source added: “Despite the family’s efforts to follow up on Matin’s status at the local police station, Kerman’s Judicial Branch No. 5, and the IRGC intelligence office in Kerman, they have not received any information regarding the reasons for his arrest or his whereabouts.
Isfahan: Indictment issued for ten Baha’i women
Iran Press watch (17.08.2024) – 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.”
The genocide of the Baha’is in Iran and the failure of international institutions
Iran Press Watch (17.08.2024) – 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.”