Source: iranwire.com
Kian Sabeti
The Islamic Republic’s authorities have continued to arrest members of the Baha’i religious minority throughout July and August.
On July 29, Nahid Behrouzi was apprehended by Ministry of Intelligence agents on the street without a warrant. The officers subsequently searched her home in Karaj, confiscating personal belongings, property documents, and gold.
On August 15, 62-year-old Baha’i Nahid Behrouzi was transferred from the Intelligence Department’s detention center to Kachoei Prison in Karaj. Her specific charges remain unknown. Behrouzi, who suffers from asthma, experienced critical health issues during detention, causing concern for her family.
Another individual arrested in August was Behrad Azargan, a Baha’i musician. On August 3, Azargan was summoned to and appeared before the third investigation branch of the Tehran Prosecutor’s Office. He was charged with “propaganda against the Islamic Republic” and was released on bail after 48 hours.
He was arrested again on August 19 at the same investigation branch. This time, he faced a new charge of “advertising through holding music classes for different ages,” and his bail was increased. He was released after 24 hours.
The detention of Baha’i citizens in August extended beyond Tehran. On August 4 and 5, two young Baha’is, Mesbah Dolat and Matin Fohandej Saadi, were arrested at their workplaces. Following their arrests, agents searched their families’ homes, confiscating religious books and personal belongings. Both remained in custody at the end of August.
One of the prevalent tactics employed by the Islamic Republic to exert pressure and control over the Baha’i community in Iran is the recurrent summons of Baha’i citizens to security and judicial institutions.
Branch 18 of Isfahan’s Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office has issued indictments against ten Baha’i women in Isfahan. These individuals are accused under Article 500 of the Islamic Penal Code of “deviant preaching and educational activities contrary to Islamic law through the promotion and education of Baha’i beliefs.”
When a judicial authority, such as an investigator or public prosecutor, deems the actions attributed to the accused as criminal, a summons is issued. Following a guilty verdict, the investigator forwards the case to court for a final decision.
The accusations against them include holding English, painting, music, yoga, and nature tourism classes for Iranian and Afghan children and teenagers.
The First Branch of the Shiraz Revolutionary Court summoned Yekta Fohandej, a Baha’i citizen on July 29.
Fohandej was initially arrested on December 18, 2023, by agents from the Shiraz Intelligence Department. After 146 days of detention, she was released from Adel Abad Prison in Shiraz upon posting bail.
During the search of Fahandej’s home, officers confiscated not only religious books but also children’s toys, drawing books, and gold and silver items adorned with Baha’i symbols. Additionally, they damaged family photos and documents.
Sentences for Baha’i Citizens
In August, Branch 37 of the Court of Appeals in Isfahan Province delivered verdicts against three Baha’i residents of Isfahan: Hamid Monzavi, Arshia Rouhani, and Arash Nabavi. Each was sentenced to two years in prison with a two-year travel ban and restrictions on social media activities.
Initially, Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan had charged these three individuals with “propaganda against the Islamic Republic, supporting opposition groups, and membership in organizations intended to undermine national security.” They were sentenced to five years in prison. The charges stemmed from their Baha’i beliefs, which were used as the basis for their convictions.
Vandalism of Ahvaz Baha’i Cemetery
In August, a coordinated attack targeted the Ahvaz Baha’i cemetery, a site with over 110 years of history. The assailants set fire to the trees and plants on the premises, cut down trees, and removed them. This cemetery, located on land owned by the Baha’is, suffered significant damage.
The destruction of Baha’i cemeteries and disrespect for their dead has been a persistent issue. The Islamic Republic has harassed Baha’i citizens by confiscating cemetery land, desecrating graves, and preventing proper burials. Recently, these practices have intensified, with disputes over burial rights in Tehran, forced burials in Khavaran, and attacks on Semnan’s Baha’i cemetery.
Obstruction of Education
Reports from the Baha’i International Community indicate that Golsa Misaghi and Noushin Foroughian, who were teaching at a music education institute in northern Qaimshahr, were barred from continuing their work due to an order from the Ministry of Intelligence.
Additionally, Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran had previously offered a course titled “Glasses and Optics” for opticians, which included Baha’i participants who completed the course successfully. However, following the discovery of their Baha’i affiliation, the university’s security department issued an order prohibiting Baha’is from registering for future courses.
The Islamic Republic’s longstanding policy of denying Baha’is access to higher education continues. For over forty years, Baha’i citizens have faced systemic barriers to educational opportunities based on their religious beliefs.
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