25-Year Prison Sentence Handed Down for Roya Sabat, Bahai Citizen

Roya Sabat, a Bahai citizen, has been sentenced to 25 years of punitive imprisonment by the Shiraz Revolutionary Court.

Roya Sabat, a Bahai citizen, had resided in the United Arab Emirates for 23 years and traveled to Iran and the city of Shiraz to care for her elderly and ill parents. However, in late December 2023, she was arrested by IRGC intelligence officers on charges of “propaganda against the system and actions against national security.”

Ms. Sabat was released from Adelabad Prison in Shiraz on bail in August 2024, seven months after her initial arrest. Now, approximately one year after her temporary release, on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the first branch of the Shiraz Revolutionary Court issued a sentence of 25 years of punitive imprisonment, a two-year ban on leaving the country with passport revocation, deprivation of social rights, and prohibition from activities in cyberspace.

The sentence issued against Roya Sabat is based on charges of “cooperation and contact with Israeli nationals and institutions,” “forming and managing a group with intent to act against national security,” and “propaganda activities contrary to Islamic Sharia.” 

Following the issuance of the sentence by the Revolutionary Court, the case has been referred to the appellate court. If this sentence becomes final, 10 years of the imposed prison sentence will be enforceable as the most severe punishment.

Over the past several decades, in addition to Christian citizens in Iran, Bahais are among other religious minorities that have been subjected to security and judicial measures more than other minorities, and have been deprived of many civil rights including access to university education, suitable employment, and other social rights. 

Annual reports from the Center for Statistics, Publishing and Works of the Collection of Human Rights Activists in Iran indicate that over the past three years, an average of 72 percent of reports related to religious minorities have been attributed to violations of Bahai rights.