Additional Name(s): Anna Khademi
Gender: Female
Perpetrator: Iran
Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: No
Date of Detainment: January/3/2023
Date of Release: January/28/2023
Current Status: Released
Religious Leader: No
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Detainment
Reason for Persecution: Practicing Religion as a Convert Religious Activity Religious Belief
Nature of Charges: Unknown
Anahita Khademi was detained for practicing her religion as a convert.
On January 3, 2023, authorities in Bandar Anzali reportedly arrested Khademi after summoning her. She was transferred to Lakan Prison. On December 26, 2022, authorities reportedly arrested her husband Abdolreza Ali Haghnejad and other Christian converts during a Christmas service at a house church. Khademi was reportedly charged with “propaganda against the system” and “disturbing public opinion.”
On January 28, 2023, Khademi was released on bail.
Related Cases: Abdolreza Ali Haghnejad
Photo attributed to Article 18
"Wife of imprisoned pastor charged with ‘disturbing public opinion’" Article 18
"Iran: Christian convert released on bail still faces charges" Middle East Concern (MEC)
"Iran: Christian converts arrested" Middle East Concern (MEC)
Additional Name(s): نکیسا حاجی پور
Gender: Female
Perpetrator: Iran
Religion or Belief: Bahá`í
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: No
Date of Detainment: January/1/2023
Current Status: Not Released
Religious Leader: No
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Detainment
Reason for Persecution: Religious Activity Religious Belief
Nature of Charges: Unknown
Nakisa Hajipour is detained for her religious belief and activity.
On January 1, 2023, authorities at Hasheminejad Airport in Mashhad reportedly arrested Hajipour in relation to her being Baha'i.
Hajipour was previously arrested and imprisoned for her religious belief.
Photo attributed to Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA)
HRANA English, Tweet, January 1, 2023
"نکیسا حاجی پور، شهروند بهائی در مشهد بازداشت شد" Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA)
Additional Name(s): مسعود ممتاز
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: Iran
Religion or Belief: Bahá`í
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: No
Date of Detainment: December/10/2022
Date of Release: February/8/2023
Current Status: Released
Religious Leader: No
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Detainment
Reason for Persecution: Religious Activity Religious Belief
Nature of Charges: Unknown
Massoud Momtaz was detained for his religious belief and activity.
On December 10, 2022, authorities in Shiraz reportedly arrested Momtaz in relation to his being Baha'i. Authorities reportedly searched his home and confiscated belongings.
On February 8, 2023, Momtaz was released.
"Yazd and Shiraz Baha'is Arrested as Crackdown Continues" IranWire
"تداوم بازداشت مسعود ممتاز، شهروند بهائی" Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA)