Six Baha'i Women Detained in Hamadan Released on Bail

The news agency Hrana reported the release of six Baha'i women detained on bail in Hamadan on Thursday, December 7. Zarindokht Ahadzadeh, Zahra Rezaei, Farideh Ayubi, Nora Ayubi, Atefeh Zahedi, and Neda Mohabi were arrested by security forces a month ago, on November 7, and transferred to the Hamadan Intelligence Department detention center. According to the report, the homes of some of them were searched after their arrest. Human rights sources reported that on November 8, simultaneous with the arrest of nine Baha'i citizens residing in Hamadan, the homes of 11 others were also searched by government agents. In connection with the ongoing actions of the Islamic Republic against Baha'is, the Baha'i International Community criticized the 'new and much harsher methods the Islamic Republic uses to suppress Baha'is' in a statement. The statement, published on December 4, noted: 'The change in the Iranian government's treatment of Baha'is indicates an increase and intensification of systematic repression against this community.' The Baha'i International Community stated that actions such as raids on homes, arrests, trials, prison sentences, land and property confiscation, hate speech, deprivation of the right to education, denial of burial rights, and violations of basic citizenship rights are examples of recent repression of Baha'is in Iran by the Islamic Republic. The aim of these actions is reported to be creating fear and confusion, depriving them of any citizenship rights, impoverishing Baha'is, continuing the repression and harassment of individuals, instilling a sense of insecurity, and ultimately depriving Baha'is of peace and security in their daily lives. A review of published reports and analysis of statistical data from human rights organizations shows that pressures on the Baha'i community in Iran intensified from the beginning of Mehr (September 23) this year and continued until December. Reports also indicate that during the two months of Mehr and Aban (October and November), at least 40 Baha'i citizens were arrested by the security forces of the Islamic Republic, and the homes of at least 66 others were searched by security forces. Additionally, during the mentioned period, 38 Baha'i citizens were sentenced in judicial authorities to a total of more than 133 years and 9 months in prison. In this context, a representative of the Baha'i International Community (BIC) at the United Nations stated on November 20 to Voice of America that the Islamic Republic has increased its repression of the Baha'i minority. The Islamic Republic's approach has drawn criticism from Western governments. Rashad Hussain, the U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, wrote on his social media account: 'The harassment and torture of Baha'is in Iran must end. Religious persecution is unacceptable, and the trend of officials targeting Baha'i women is deeply concerning.' Javaid Rehman, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, also stated at a UN meeting in New York that there has been a 'significant increase in attacks, targeting, and harassment' of Baha'is in Iran. Mr. Rehman noted: 'Since July 2022, more than 333 incidents have been reported, including arbitrary arrests, interrogations, illegal detentions, torture, mistreatment, property destruction, desecration of cemeteries, deprivation of educational rights, and other forms of economic pressure.' Farhad Sabetan: Baha'i citizens have done nothing but goodwill and service to Iran to deserve imprisonment. A letter from 14 female political prisoners expressed solidarity with the family of Afagh Khosravi, stating: 'Her life was one of resilience.' The destruction of a 'historical document' of political executions; the donation of a Baha'i citizen's body for education instead of burial in Khavaran. The 'complaint-making' policy against imprisoned Baha'is; Farhad Sabetan: the government's desperation in providing evidence. Concerns of human rights observers; pressure on the Baha'i community in Iran intensified in Mehr and Aban 1402. The IRGC reports that 10 Baha'i citizens have been arrested in the provinces of Tehran and Alborz.