Three Baha’i women arrested in Tehran by security forces

Hengaw – Friday, May 30, 2025

Three Baha’i women—Sheyda Rouhani, Sheyda Tavakoli, and Sheila Tavakoli—were arrested by security forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Tehran and subsequently transferred to an undisclosed location.

According to information received by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, the arrests took place on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. One of the detainees, Sheyda Rouhani, is a mother of one.

During the operation, security agents confiscated numerous personal belongings from Rouhani, including her laptop, mobile phone, tablet, property and vehicle ownership documents, academic certificates, and religious literature related to the Baha’i Faith. In addition, personal assets such as gold and foreign currency were seized.

Despite the passage of several days since their detention, no official information has been made available regarding the whereabouts, legal status, or wellbeing of Rouhani, Tavakoli, or Sheila Tavakoli.

The reasons for their arrest remain unclear, and no formal charges have been publicly disclosed.