Two Baha’i adherents, Iman Rahmatpanah and Arman Nikaein, arrested by security forces in Shiraz

Hengaw – Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Iman Rahmatpanah and Arman Nikaein, two Baha’i adherents, were violently arrested by Islamic Republicof Iran security forces in Shiraz and transferred to an undisclosed location.

According to information received by Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, on the evening of Monday, June 23, 2025, Arman Nikaein, a composer, was detained at his in-laws’ residence in Shiraz.

Nikaein and his wife, Mona Momtazian, had traveled from Qeshm to visit her family. Intelligence agents of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) raided the house under the pretext of a parking violation. During the incident, Mona’s mother and brother suffered nervous breakdowns and were transferred to medical facilities.

Security forces conducted a full search of the residence and their vehicles, confiscating all electronic devices, including mobile phones and laptops.

The previous night, on Sunday, June 22, security forces raided the home of Iman Rahmatpanah and arrested him without presenting a court  warrant. They also seized his mobile phones, laptop, photographs, and books related to the Baha’i faith.

During the raid, one of Rahmatpanah’s children experienced a health crisis, and his younger son was left deeply traumatized. When Rahmatpanah’s wife attempted to inquire about his situation, officials warned her not to pursue further inquiries for several days.

Rahmatpanah has previously been detained and prosecuted by Iranian authorities for his religious activities.

Both Arman Nikaein and Iman Rahmatpanah remain in an undisclosed location. No official information has been released regarding the reasons for their arrests or any charges filed against them.