Exclusive: 10 Days of Uncertainty for Yekta Fahendaj Saadi After Arrest in Shiraz

The family of Yekta Fahendaj Saadi, a Baha'i citizen, has been unable to visit her at Detention Center 100 after 10 days of her arrest, despite numerous efforts. Detention Center 100 is affiliated with the IRGC's intelligence protection. Mona Fahendaj Saadi stated to Voice of America that 'Yekta has not made any phone calls to her family.' She noted that this situation, along with the uncertainty regarding Yekta's health, has caused severe concern for her family. Mona also mentioned that the Islamic Republic has long used this method to psychologically torture Baha'i detainees to force them into false confessions. Government forces arrested Yekta Fahendaj Saadi in Shiraz on December 18 for the umpteenth time. Previously, Mona had told Voice of America, 'Yekta's first arrest occurred about 12 years ago, and during each arrest, she faced harsh interrogation conditions and psychological torture at the hands of intelligence agents.' She added that her sister was accused each time of 'propagating against the regime through the promotion of the Baha'i sect and membership in an illegal Baha'i organization with the intent to act against the internal security of the country.' Mona Fahendaj Saadi further stated, 'The intelligence and government officials attribute crimes to Baha'is in Iran to continue their oppression and imprison them, and my sister Yekta is not exempt from this.' According to the Instagram page 'Baha'i News,' this is the fifth time in recent years that Ms. Fahendaj Saadi has been arrested. The Islamic Republic does not recognize the Baha'i faith and has accused Baha'is of espionage and actions against the regime on multiple occasions. Since the establishment of the Islamic Republic, many death sentences and prison terms have been issued against them. Alongside these actions, numerous reports have emerged regarding the deprivation of education and business bans for Baha'is.