Additional Name(s): Peyman Koushkbaghi, پیمان کوشکباغی
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: Iran
Religion or Belief: Bahá`í
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: No
Sentence: 5 Years' Imprisonment
Date of Detainment: February/28/2016
Date of Sentencing: April//2015
Date of Release: March/17/2020
Current Status: Released
Religious Leader: No
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment
Reason for Persecution: Education Rights Religious Association Religious Belief
Nature of Charges: Illegal Assembly
Payman Koushk-Baghi was imprisoned for his religious association and for providing religious education.
On February 28, 2016, authorities arrested Koushk-Baghi reportedly without receiving prior notice or summons when he went to visit his wife, Azita Rafizadeh, in Evin Prison.
In the years prior to his arrest, Koushk-Baghi had been questioned by authorities about his work with the Baha’i Institute of Higher Education (BIHE). On May 22, 2011, authorities raided his and other homes of BIHE staff. In February 2013, Koushk-Baghi and his wife appeared before the Evin Court where they were accused of having “membership in illegal Baha’i organizations with the aim of acting against national security through illegal activity in the educational institute, BIHE." According to United For Iran, Koushk-Baghi was charged with "assembling and colluding to act against national security" (Art. 610 IPC).
In April 2015, Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced Koushk-Baghi to five years in prison.
During his detention, Koushk-Baghi was reportedly subjected to prolonged solitary confinement.
On March 17, 2020, Koushk-Baghi was released on leave in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On April 14, 2020, Koushk-Baghi was granted full release in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Koushk-Baghi is married with one child.
Photo attributed to Bahá’í World News Service
"Peyman Koushk Baghi" United For Iran