Report on the Arrest and Temporary Release of Nourollah Shamian, Jewish Citizen
Nourollah Shamian, a Jewish citizen approximately 65 years old, who was arrested by security forces upon his return from Israel and subsequently transferred to Evin Prison, was recently released on bail. This citizen, who had lived in Israel for approximately 6 years, was arrested after returning to Iran under pretexts including travel to Israel and propagation of the Jewish faith.
According to a report by Hrana news agency, the media organ of the Iranian Human Rights Activists Network, Nourollah Shamian, a Jewish citizen who was arrested by security forces, was temporarily released from Evin Prison in Bahman month of 1399 upon posting bail.
Based on information received by Hrana, Nourollah Shamian, a Jewish citizen approximately 65 years old, faced charges following his arrest based on travel to Israel and propagation of the Jewish faith, with a case file being opened.
This Jewish citizen had lived in Israel for approximately 6 years before his return to Iran. The Islamic Republic authorities and media outlets close to security institutions have not provided any information regarding his case so far.
Prior to his temporary release, Nourollah Shamian was held in Ward 4, Hall 2, Room 5 of Evin Prison.
It is reported that this Jewish citizen was a member of the Tehran Kahlimians Association until 1392. At the time of this Hrana report, confirmation of this matter has not been possible.
It should also be noted that on Monday, the 15th of Dey 1399, Farhanaz Kahen, another Jewish citizen, was temporarily released from Evin Prison upon posting bail until the completion of legal proceedings. Ms. Kahen was also arrested by security forces following her return from Israel, and after the conclusion of interrogations, was transferred to the women’s ward of Evin Prison.
It is unclear whether Mr. Shamian and Ms. Kahen have a joint case file or were arrested in separate cases.
Previously, Mashallah Pasarkahan, another Iranian Jewish citizen, was sentenced to three years in prison due to travel to Israel, and in Shahrivar month of 1399 completed his prison sentence through release on extended leave.
The Islamic Consultative Assembly approved a plan in Aban of 1390 to increase penalties for travel to Israel. According to this resolution, any Iranian traveling to Israel is sentenced to imprisonment “of two to five years” and is also barred “from three to five years” from holding a passport.
It should be noted that while travel to Israel is considered a crime under Iranian law, Iranian Jews, in addition to their religious ties to the region, have extensive family and kinship relations due to the large wave of Jewish migration following the revolution, and their travel to the country for religious or family purposes is customary; however, this has been accompanied by security-related concerns in the shadow of the Iranian government’s foreign policies.
Source: Hrana
