Security forces in Shiraz arrested two Baha’i citizens on Sunday, June 26, and took them to an unknown location.
The arrested individuals are Shaghayegh Khaneh Zarrin, 20, and Negar Ighani, 22.
Their homes were searched, and their personal belongings including their religious books, computers, and smartphones were confiscated during the arrest.
There is no information available about the charges against the two women or their current whereabouts.
According to reports, Ms. Khanehzarin’s father suffered a heart attack on Sunday evening and was taken to hospital following his daughter’s arrest.
Ms. Ighani is one of the Baha’i citizens who has been denied higher education due to her religious beliefs.
Bahai persecution in Iran
Unofficial sources estimate that there are over 300,000 followers of 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, over 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 currently imprisoned throughout the country.