Also available in Persian — نسخه فارسی EN فا
❓ Unknown

Reza Welfare Center Associated with Gonabadi Dervishes Shut Down

Feb 1, 2026 February 1, 2026 1 min read 📰 Radio Farda
📋 Key Takeaway

Security forces shut down the Reza Welfare Center in Tehran, which has served the elderly for over 20 years, linked to the Gonabadi dervishes. Rights activist Mostafa Azmaei commented on the closure, highlighting ongoing issues faced by the dervish community in Iran. This incident underscores the ongoing repression of minority groups in the country.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: The shutdown of the Reza Welfare Center exemplifies the Iranian government's continued crackdown on minority rights.

👥 Key Players

Reza Welfare Center MENTIONED
Charitable organization
"Has provided essential services to the elderly for over 20 years, representing the Gonabadi dervish community."
Gonabadi Dervishes MENTIONED
Religious minority group
"They are a significant Sufi order in Iran, often facing persecution for their beliefs."
Mostafa Azmaei MENTIONED
Rights activist
"Advocates for the rights of the dervish community and highlights issues of repression."
Ali Khamenei MENTIONED
Supreme Leader of Iran
"Holds ultimate authority in Iran and influences policies regarding religious minorities."

📰 What Happened

Security agents shut down the Reza Welfare Center in Tehran, a charity linked to the Gonabadi dervishes, which has served the elderly for over two decades. This action reflects ongoing repression against the dervish community in Iran.

  • The Reza Welfare Center has been operational for over 20 years.
  • Gonabadi dervishes have faced increasing repression, including exile for some members.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: This closure highlights the Iranian government's ongoing intolerance towards minority groups and raises concerns about human rights.
🌍 Regional: It may exacerbate sectarian tensions and influence how minority groups are treated in neighboring countries.
🌐 International: This incident could attract international criticism and scrutiny regarding Iran's human rights record.

📚 Background

The Gonabadi dervishes are a Sufi order that has faced persecution in Iran for their beliefs, often clashing with the state. The Reza Welfare Center's closure is a part of a broader trend of repression against religious minorities.

Religious freedom in Iran Human rights violations against minorities
📡 Source: OPPOSITION
📊 Confidence: 70%
Radio Farda is known for its critical stance towards the Iranian government, providing a perspective that may highlight abuses and repression.

On Tuesday afternoon, April 8, security and intelligence agents attacked the Reza Welfare Center, affiliated with the Gonabadi dervish order, in Tehran and immediately sealed off this charitable organization. This charity has been active in caring for the elderly for over 20 years, in collaboration with a group of Gonabadi dervishes. Mostafa Azmaei, a rights activist for the dervishes and an official of the Human Rights Preservation Association in Iran, spoke with Radio Farda regarding the closure of this charity center. In related news, Khamenei stated that the level of tolerance in Iran is not found in the Christian world, and Younesi described the treatment of dervishes as 'arbitrary' and against the interests of the state. Additionally, some Gonabadi dervishes in the city of Kavar, Fars province, have been subjected to lifetime exile.

🌐

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

Translation confidence: 85%

📰 Related Coverage

⚖️ Independent Platform — Artesh.com is not affiliated with any government, military, or political organization. Editorial Policy →