Long-Term Prison Sentence Upheld for Iranian Baha’i

The Court of Appeals in Iran’s central Semnan province has upheld prison sentences, totalling 11 years, against a member of the persecuted Baha'i religious minority. 

Shahdokht Khanjani, 47, was sentenced to 10 years for "forming groups to act against national security" and one year for "propaganda activities" against the Islamic Republic, the activist HRANA news agency reported on February 9. 

Khanjani was also barred from joining political, civil, or cultural groups or parties, and from social media activities for two years.

According to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, she will have to serve the highest prison sentence, which is 10 years.

On May 29, 2023, security forces arrested Khanjani at her home in Samnan and confiscated personal items belonging to her and her family.

She was reportedly released from prison on bail in June.

Baha’is have been systematically persecuted in Iran for 44 years because of their faith and are often accused of being spies or opposed to the Iranian government. 

No evidence has ever been provided to back these accusations.

Over the past year, the government has intensified its crackdown on members of the Baha'i faith, imprisoning dozens of them on spurious charges, as well as denying access to higher education, livelihoods, and confiscating or destroying personal properties.