Additional Name(s): Şahin Qədirov
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: Azerbaijan
Religion or Belief: Muslim – Shi'a
Reports of Torture: Yes
Sentence: 3 Years' Imprisonment
Date of Detainment: February/14/2024
Date of Sentencing: February/14/2024
Current Status: Not Released
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment
Reason for Persecution: Religious Activity Religious Association
Nature of Charges: Drug Trafficking & Illicit Drug Use
Shahin Gadirov is imprisoned for his religious association and activity.
On November 23, 2022, authorities arrested Gadirov, a member of the Muslim Unity Movement (MUM), on his way home from work. According to MUM, Gadirov's arrest was meant to "pressure" the organization. Gadirov was charged with "illegally purchasing or storing with a view of selling, manufacturing, processing, transporting, transferring or selling of narcotics or psychotropic substances in large amount" (Art. 234.4.3 ACC).
In 2023, Gadirov was placed under house arrest.
On February 14, 2024, the Baku Grave Crimes Court sentenced Gadirov to three years in prison for "Illegally purchasing or storing without a purpose of selling narcotics or psychotropic substances in a quantity (amount) exceeding necessary for personal consumption" (Art. 234.1 ACC). Gadirov's defense team claimed that he had been tortured into confessing. Gadirov was taken into custody following the verdict.
Photo attributed to Voice of America (VOA)
"Активист "Мусульманского единства" осужден по делу о наркотиках" Caucasian Knot
“Muslim Unity member arrested on drug trafficking charges” Turan.az
“Müsəlman Birliyi Hərəkatının üzvü narkotik ittihamı ilə həbs edilib” Voice of America (VOA)
Additional Name(s): نسیم کاشانی نژاد
Gender: Female
Current Location: Adel-Abad Prison, Shiraz
Perpetrator: Iran
Religion or Belief: Bahá`í
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: No
Appeal: Reduced to 6 Months' Imprisonment
Date of Detainment: November/21/2022
Current Status: Released
Religious Leader: No
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment
Reason for Persecution: Religious Activity Religious Belief
Nature of Charges: Unknown
Nasim Kashani Nejad was imprisoned for her religious belief and activity.
On November 21, 2022, authorities in Shiraz took into custody Nejad and sent her to Adel-Abad Prison to begin serving her sentence. Prior to her arrest, an appeals court sentenced Nejad to six months in prison on accusations related to her Baha'i religious activities.
On January 29, 2023, Nejad was released from prison.
Photo attributed to Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA)
"نسیم کاشانی نژاد، شهروند بهائی از زندان عادل آباد آزاد شد" Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA)
HRANA English, Tweet, December 1, 2022
"بازداشت نسیم کاشانی نژاد، شهروند بهائی جهت اجرای حکم حبس" Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA)
Additional Name(s): Enrique Martínez Gamboa, Benito Enrique Martínez
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: Nicaragua
Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic
Health Concerns: Diabetes, hypertension, kidney problems, blood circulation problems
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: No
Date of Detainment: October/13/2022
Date of Release: February/9/2023
Current Status: Released
Religious Leader: Yes
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Detainment
Reason for Persecution: Criticizing Religious Freedom Conditions Human Rights Work for Religious Communities Religious Figure & Religious Leadership Role
Nature of Charges: Criminal Premeditation & Conspiracy Spreading Propaganda & False or Misleading Ideas, Information, or Materials
Enrique Martínez was detained for his religious leadership role.
On October 13, 2022, authorities reportedly violently arrested Martínez, the parish priest of St. Martha’s Church in Managua, at his home. Riot police reportedly entered his home forcibly, broke down the door to his room, beat him, and pushed him into a van. Martínez was reportedly charged with conspiracy and propagating false news. Martínez's arrest came amid a crackdown of fellow clergymen criticizing the government for its human rights violations, including religious freedom.
On February 9, 2023, Martínez was released from prison and exiled to the United States.
Martínez reportedly suffers from diabetes, hypertension, kidney problems, and blood circulation problems.
"Nicaragua: Priests, political prisoners deported to US" Independent Catholic News" (ICN)
"Arzobispo de Managua afirma que el diálogo con el Gobierno de Daniel Ortega no se puede detener" Cable News Network (CNN)
"Acusan por “conspiración” y “noticias falsas” a sacerdote Enrique Martínez Gamboa" Confidencial
"The violent arrest of Father Enrique Martínez Gamboa" Confidencial
"Another Catholic priest has been ‘kidnapped’ by Nicaragua’s government, says exiled churchman" Catholic News Agency (CNA)