Baha'i Citizen’s 10 Year Prison Sentence Upheld By Iranian Appeal Court
An Iranian Baha'i citizen has had a prison sentence of more than ten years upheld by an appellate court for possessing religious books and materials.
An Iranian Baha'i citizen has had a prison sentence of more than ten years upheld by an appellate court for possessing religious books and materials.
Officials have cited Sanaz Tafazzoli, was also "organizing educational groups for Baha'i children" among the charges brought against her, the latest case one in a long line facing persecuted Baha'i in Iran.
The charges brought against her include "forming a group with the intent to disrupt internal security," resulting in a sentence of six years and six months. Additionally, she received a three-year and seven-month prison term for "collusion and conspiracy to commit a crime against national security," and eight months for engaging in "deviant educational or promotional activities."
The 1979 constitution of the Islamic Republic only officially acknowledges Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism as recognized religions. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, in a religious verdict issued in 2018, prohibited any form of contact, including business interactions, with adherents of the Baha'i faith.
Tafazzoli was arrested at home last November in Mashhad by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence, and imprisoned in Vakilabad Prison.
The Baha'i population, estimated to be approximately 300,000 in Iran and the largest minority, are routinely arrested and detained. They frequently experience harassment, are coerced into leaving their residences and businesses, and face discrimination in terms of access to government employment and higher education opportunities.
