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24 Baha'is in Golestan Province Sentenced to 193 Years in Prison

Jan 31, 2026 January 31, 2026 1 min read 📰 Radio Farda
📋 Key Takeaway

Twenty-four Baha'i citizens in Golestan Province have been sentenced to a total of 193 years in prison for their membership in the Baha'i community. This mass sentencing highlights ongoing religious persecution in Iran. The Baha'i community is often targeted by the Iranian government, raising concerns about human rights violations.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: The sentencing of 24 Baha'is in Iran underscores persistent religious persecution and human rights challenges in the country.

👥 Key Players

Baha'i World Community MENTIONED
Religious organization
"Represents the global Baha'i community, often highlighting persecution issues in Iran."
Revolutionary Court in Gorgan MENTIONED
Judicial body
"Responsible for sentencing the Baha'i individuals, reflecting the Iranian government's stance on religious minorities."
Simin Fahandej MENTIONED
Spokesperson for the Baha'i World Community in Geneva
"Provides information and advocacy on behalf of the Baha'i community facing persecution."

📰 What Happened

Twenty-four Baha'i citizens in Golestan Province, Iran, were sentenced to a total of 193 years in prison for their involvement in the Baha'i community. This was decided in group trials by the Revolutionary Court in Gorgan.

  • Sentences ranged from six to eleven years per individual.
  • The charges were based on their membership and participation in the Baha'i community.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: Highlights ongoing religious discrimination and human rights issues, potentially affecting social stability and international reputation.
🌍 Regional: Reflects broader regional issues of religious freedom and minority rights, which can influence regional human rights dialogues.
🌐 International: Raises concerns among international human rights organizations and Western governments about Iran's treatment of religious minorities.

📚 Background

The Baha'i faith is not recognized by the Iranian government, leading to systemic persecution of its followers. This includes arrests, imprisonment, and denial of civil rights.

Religious persecution in Iran Human rights in Iran
📡 Source: INTERNATIONAL
📊 Confidence: 70%
The Baha'i World Community is a reputable source for information on Baha'i issues, though it may emphasize persecution aspects.

The Baha'i World Community in Geneva reports that 24 Baha'i citizens in Golestan Province have been sentenced to nearly 200 years in prison in group trials at Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court in Gorgan. According to the spokesperson for the Baha'i community, all these individuals were accused of membership and participation in the Baha'i community. Each of these Baha'i citizens received prison sentences ranging from six to eleven years (totaling 193 years). Based on the report from the Baha'i World Community, Shahnameh Jazbani and Sheida Ghadoosi were each sentenced to eleven years, while Behnam Hosseini, Parisa Shahidi, Pariush Shajai, Mojdeh Zohouri, Beita Mohabati, Beita Hedayati, Vosough Sanaei, Hena Aghighian, Shohreh Samimi, Hena Koushkbagi, Farahnaz Tabianian, Pooneh Sanayi, and Mona Amri Hesari were each sentenced to nine years. Navid Moallemi, Nazi Tahghighi Hesari, Karmelia Bidlian, Mitra Noori, Roufia Pakzadan, Shiva Rouhani, Soudeh Mahdinejad, Maryam Dehghan, and Hooshmand Dehghan were each sentenced to six years. Mahtab Vahidi Rad from Radio Farda discussed this with Simin Fahandej, spokesperson for the Baha'i World Community in Geneva.

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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