Reports from Iran indicate that three Gonabadi dervishes named Behnoud Rostami, Hamid Ashayeri, and Ahmad Barakouhi have been sentenced to a total of 16 years in prison and two years of exile each on security charges by the Revolutionary Court in Tehran. Some sources report that prison sentences have been issued for 40 dervishes. Three months after the clashes between Gonabadi dervishes and security forces on Pasdaran Street in Tehran, dozens of them remain in detention, and their families express concern about their conditions in prison. Mahtab Vahidi Rad spoke with Vahid Beheshti, a Gonabadi dervish residing in Britain, about the details of the sentences issued for the dervishes.
❓ Unknown
Prison and Exile Sentences for Three Gonabadi Dervishes
Jan 26, 2026
January 26, 2026
1 min read
📰 Radio Farda
📋 Key Takeaway
Three Gonabadi dervishes have been sentenced to prison and exile for security-related charges following clashes with security forces in Tehran. The situation highlights ongoing repression against religious minorities in Iran, with many still detained and families worried about their conditions.
🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line:
The harsh sentencing of Gonabadi dervishes highlights the Iranian regime's ongoing crackdown on religious dissent.
👥 Key Players
Gonabadi Dervishes
MENTIONED
Religious minority group in Iran
"They represent a significant Sufi order that faces persecution in Iran, highlighting issues of religious freedom."
Revolutionary Court of Tehran
MENTIONED
Judicial body in Iran
"Responsible for adjudicating cases related to security and political dissent, often criticized for lack of fairness."
Vahid Beheshti
MENTIONED
Gonabadi dervish in exile
"His perspective provides insight into the plight of the Gonabadi community and their struggles against repression."
📰 What Happened
Three Gonabadi dervishes were sentenced to prison and exile following clashes with security forces in Tehran. Reports indicate that many others from their community are still detained under harsh conditions.
- Behnoud Rostami, Hamid Ashayeri, and Ahmad Barakouhi received 16 years in prison and two years of exile each.
- The sentences come three months after violent confrontations with security forces.
💡 Why It Matters
🇮🇷 For Iran: The sentencing underscores the Iranian government's continued repression of religious minorities, raising concerns about human rights.
🌍 Regional: This situation may exacerbate sectarian tensions and influence other minority groups in the region.
🌐 International: The international community may view this as a violation of religious freedoms, potentially affecting Iran's diplomatic relations.
📚 Background
Gonabadi dervishes are part of a Sufi order that has faced systemic persecution in Iran, where the government is wary of any groups that challenge its authority.
Religious freedom in Iran
Human rights abuses in Iran
📡 Source:
OPPOSITION
📊 Confidence:
70%
Sources reporting on this issue may have a bias against the Iranian government, so information should be cross-referenced with multiple outlets.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
📍
Iran
100
📍
Tehran
100
🏢
IRGC
100
OFAC
👤
Ahmad Vahidi
100
📌
Revolutionary Court
83
🏢
Gonabadi Dervishes
83
👤
Islamic Revolutionary Court
75
📍
Tehran Revolutionary Court
75
🏢
United Kingdom
69
🏢
University of Tehran
60
👤
Britain
55
📍
Arak
🏢
TotalEnergies
📌
OFAC Program: IRAN
🏢
Transparency International
🌐
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%
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