Iranian Baha’i woman and her two sons are in limbo after being arrested by security forces on July 13.
Sholeh Shahidi along with her two sons, Faran and Shayan Sanai, Baha’i citizens living in Bojnord were arrested on July 13 and taken to an unknown location.
The state security forces sealed their cosmetics store, searched their home, and confiscated their personal belongings including their religious books, computers, and smartphones upon arrest.
The three have not had any contact with their relatives so far, rising concern about their conditions.
There is no detailed information about the reasons for their arrest, the charges against them, and their whereabouts.
Bahai persecution in Iran
Unofficial sources say that there are more than 300,000 people following the Bahai Faith in Iran. However, the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran only recognizes Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism and does not recognize Bahaism.
Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, Iranian Bahais have been systematically persecuted as a matter of government policy. During the first decade of this persecution, more than 200 of Iran’s Bahais were killed or executed. Hundreds more were tortured or imprisoned, and tens of thousands lost jobs, access to education, and other rights – all solely because of their religious belief.
The persecution of Iran’s Bahais is still ongoing with dozens of Bahais languishing in prisons throughout Iran.
