Uncertain Status of Nehaleh Shahidi-Yazdi, Bahai Citizen in Kerman Prison

The detention of Nehaleh Shahidi-Yazdi, a Bahai citizen residing in Karaj, continues in Kerman Prison, and she remains in an uncertain legal status.

Bahai and Christian citizens have faced oppression, harassment, and persecution by the Islamic Republic system since the revolution’s victory. The Islamic Republic government continues to arrest, torture, and harass Christian and Bahai citizens, keeping them in uncertain legal status. This occurs despite Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantee every person the right to freedom of religion, the right to change religion or belief, and the right to express their faith individually or collectively, publicly or privately.

Nehaleh Shahidi-Yazdi is a Bahai citizen who was arrested by security forces in Farvardin month and recently was charged with “forming a group or gathering with the aim of disrupting the country’s security.” Her lawyer is not permitted access to her case file. It should be noted that her first lawyer resigned due to the judicial authorities’ lack of cooperation in providing him access to his client’s case file.

Nehaleh Shahidi is also a children’s rights activist who has been previously arrested and convicted due to her activities. Now, after 158 days since her arrest, she continues to remain in uncertain legal status.

Iran’s constitution officially recognizes only Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism, and the Bahai faith is not officially recognized in Iran. For this reason, the rights of Bahais in Iran have been systematically violated for years. It should be noted that Christians, despite being officially recognized, also face oppression by the system.