Additional Name(s): پویا صراف
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: Iran
Religion or Belief: Bahá`í
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: No
Date of Detainment: November/2/2022
Date of Release: March/13/2023
Current Status: Released
Religious Leader: No
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Detainment
Reason for Persecution: Religious Activity Religious Belief
Nature of Charges: Unknown
Pooya Saraf was detained for his religious belief and activity.
On November 2, 2022, authorities in Karaj detained Saraf and searched his workplace and home, confiscating electronics and other personal belongings.
On March 13, 2023, Saraf was released on bail.
Photo attributed to Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA)
"POUYA SARRAF" United For Iran
USCIRF Country Update: Religious Freedom Conditions in Iran September 2023
"پویا صراف، شهروند بهائی با تودیع قرار وثیقه آزاد شد" Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA)
"پویا صراف، شهروند بهائی در کرج بازداشت شد" Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA)
Gender: Male
Current Location: MR-E/16, Bayramali, Mary Region
Perpetrator: Turkmenistan
Ethnic Group: Turkmen
Religion or Belief: Muslim – Sunni
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: No
Appeal: Rejected
Sentence: 12 Years' Imprisonment
Date of Sentencing: August/15/2017
Current Status: Not Released
Religious Leader: No
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment
Reason for Persecution: Attending a Religious Gathering or Meeting Discussing Religion & Religious Texts Praying Religious Activity Religious Belief
Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Hate Speech Illicit Financing
Myratdurdy Shamyradow is imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.
Between May and June 2017, authorities arrested five people, including Shamyradow, for meeting together to study the writings of Said Nursi and pray.
On August 15, 2017, the Balkan Regional Court in Balkanabat sentenced Shamyradow to 12 years in prison for “inciting social, national, ethnic, racial or religious hostility” (Art. 177-3 TCC), “participating in an organized criminal group” (Art. 275-2 TCC), and “financing of criminal structures” (Art. 275.1-2 TCC).
On July 11, 2018, the Supreme Court in Ashgabat upheld Shamyradow’s sentence.
Shamyradow is married.
Related Cases: Jumanazar Hojambetow, Begejik Begejikow, Ahmet Mammetdurdyyew, Meret Owezow
Additional Name(s): Meret Hydyrowich Owezow
Gender: Male
Current Location: MR-E/16, Bayramali, Mary Region
Perpetrator: Turkmenistan
Ethnic Group: Turkmen
Religion or Belief: Muslim – Sunni
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: No
Appeal: Rejected
Sentence: 12 Years' Imprisonment
Date of Sentencing: August/15/2017
Current Status: Not Released
Religious Leader: No
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment
Reason for Persecution: Attending a Religious Gathering or Meeting Discussing Religion & Religious Texts Praying Religious Activity Religious Belief
Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Hate Speech Illicit Financing
Meret Owezow is imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.
Between May and June 2017, authorities arrested five people, including Owezow, for meeting together to study the writings of Said Nursi and pray.
On August 15, 2017, the Balkan Regional Court in Balkanabat sentenced Owezow to 12 years in prison for “inciting social, national, ethnic, racial or religious hostility” (Art. 177-3 TCC), “participating in an organized criminal group” (Art. 275-2 TCC), and “financing of criminal structures” (Art. 275.1-2 TCC).
On July 11, 2018, the Supreme Court in Ashgabat upheld Owezow’s sentence.
Owezow is married with four children.
Related Cases: Jumanazar Hojambetow, Begejik Begejikow, Ahmet Mammetdurdyyew, Myratdurdy Shamyradow