Additional Name(s): سامان استوار

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Iran

Religion or Belief: Bahá`í

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Appeal: Rejected

Sentence: 5 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: August/5/2023

Current Status: Not Released

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Education Rights Religious Activity Religious Belief Religious Instruction & Teaching

Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Spreading Propaganda & False or Misleading Ideas, Information, or Materials

Saman Ostovar

Extra Bio Info:

Saman Ostovar is imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.

On July 31, 2022, security forces arrested Ostovar in Karaj after raiding his home.

On December 13, 2022, Ostovar was released from prison.

In February 2023, it was reported that the Karaj Revolutionary Court had sentenced Ostovar to five years in prison for “insulting and propaganda against Islamic Sharia, forming and participating in groups to act against national security through teaching and preaching the Baha’i faith to children in Kindergartens, promoting against Islamic Sharia through holding coaching courses." The conviction appears to stem from his religious educational activities to children.

In June 2023, it was reported that Branch 12 of Alborz Provincial Court of Appeal had upheld Ostovar's sentence. 

On August 5, 2023, Ostovar was reportedly taken to Central Prison in Karaj to begin serving his sentence.

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