Transfer of six Baha'i citizens living in Karaj to Evin Prison

Six Baha'i citizens living in Karaj were transferred to Evin Prison this Friday morning.

Baha'i citizens have historically been deprived of freedoms related to their religious beliefs in Iran, and this deprivation occurs despite the fact that, according to Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, everyone has the right to freedom of religion and to change their religion with conviction, as well as the freedom to manifest it, either individually or in community with others and in public or in private.

According to unofficial Iranian reports, there are more than three hundred thousand Baha'i citizens living in Iran, but the Iranian constitution only recognizes Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism, and does not recognize the Baha'i religion. For this reason, the rights of Baha'is in Iran have been systematically violated for many years. Not only the rights of Baha'is, but also Christians are persecuted in Iran.

Today, Friday, December 17, six Baha'i citizens, Babak Zeinali, Sahba Taif, Shervin Shirkh, Iren Rahmani, Fawad Taif, and Reza Yazdi, who live in Karaj, were transferred to Evin Prison. Despite the passage of more than a month since their arrest, they remain in limbo.

It should be noted that Babak Zainali, Sahba Taif, Shervin Shabrakh, Nika Esmailpour, Iman Ehsani, Iren Rahmani, Fawad Taifi, Ali Bagher Kashi, Reza and Fahimeh Yazdi were arrested by security forces at Babak Zainali’s home on November 6. After their arrest, the officers searched Mr. Zainali’s home and confiscated some of his personal belongings, including electronic devices, bank documents and identity documents.

They were indicted on charges of "propaganda activity against the regime," "action against national security," and "membership in groups opposed to the regime" at the Shahriar City Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor's Office.

It should be noted that among the aforementioned individuals, Mr. Taifi suffers from thyroid disease and requires medication. His family attempted to deliver the necessary medication, but the investigator in the case opposed this.

Among the arrested individuals, Nika Esmailpour, Fahimeh Yazdi, Iman Ehsani, and Ali Bagherkashi were released on bail on December 5.