Two baha’i women sentenced to imprisonment

Hengaw; Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Two Baha’i women, Suzan Eid Mohammadzadegan and Niousha Badi’i Sabt, have been sentenced to a total of ten years in prison by the Islamic Republic of Iran judiciary.

According to a report received by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, Niousha Badi’i Sabt, a 39-year-old translator, and Suzan Eid Mohammadzadegan were each sentenced to five years in prison by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Babol. The court convicted them of “engaging in educational and promotional activities contrary to Islamic principles.”

Additionally, both women have been prohibited from participating in any educational or training activities for 18 months as part of their supplementary punishment.

In September 2023, the judiciary in Mazandaran Province announced the closure of two schools and several educational and sports centers in Babol, alleging that the Baha’i faith was being promoted at these locations. Despite the accusations, the institutions involved were preschools, and the accused have denied any religious indoctrination.

Both Suzan Eid Mohammadzadegan and Niousha Badi’i Sabt were arrested on August 15, 2023, by security forces in Babol. After nearly a month in detention, they were released on bail on September 11, 2023, pending the outcome of their legal case.