Continued Uncertainty Regarding the Fate of Fathi Mohammad Naqshbandi; Six Months Have Passed Since the Arrest of the Sunni Imam of Rask

Human rights sources have reported ongoing uncertainty regarding the status of Fathi Mohammad Naqshbandi, the Sunni Imam of Rask, approximately six months after his arrest. According to HRANA, the news agency of the Human Rights Activists in Iran, the lack of information about the fate of the detained Imam in Sistan and Baluchestan province has heightened concerns among his family and close relatives. The Baluch Activists Campaign also reported on Thursday, February 8, citing the family of this Sunni cleric, that they are unaware of Fathi Mohammad Naqshbandi's fate in the intelligence detention center. Recently, Hafiz Mohammad Tayyib Naqshbandi, the son of the detained Imam of Rask, stated in a message that his father has had no contact with family or acquaintances since his arrest. He has called his father innocent and demanded his release and the possibility of communication between him and his family as soon as possible. Abdul Ghafar Naqshbandi, another son of Mowlavi Fathi Mohammad Naqshbandi, had previously reported on the 'physical and psychological torture' of his father in the 'torture chamber of the Zabol Intelligence Office.' Mowlavi Fathi Mohammad Naqshbandi was arrested on August 20 on charges including 'disturbing public opinion,' 'acting against national security,' and 'illegally occupying national lands.' Raha Bahreini, a researcher at Amnesty International, had previously stated in an interview with Voice of America about the intensification of 'relentless attacks by the Islamic Republic officials on peaceful and non-violent Baluch protesters' in this province. In the list of countries and entities violating religious freedom published by the United States in December of this year, the Islamic Republic of Iran remains among the 'countries of particular concern.'