Additional Name(s): Vahed Kholousi Derakkshan, واحد خلوصی درخشان

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Iran

Religion or Belief: Bahá`í

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: Yes

Appeal: Rejected

Sentence: 5 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: September//2015

Date of Release: April//2020

Current Status: Released

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Education Rights Religious Belief

Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Illegal Assembly Spreading Propaganda & False or Misleading Ideas, Information, or Materials

Vahed Kholousi

Extra Bio Info:

Vahed Kholousi was imprisoned for his religious belief and education rights and human rights activism.

In February 2010, authorities arrested Kholousi reportedly in relation to his activity supporting Baha’i educational rights. 

On an unspecified date, Kholousi was later released on bail.

In August 2011, Kholousi was summoned to Evin Court, arrested, and subsequently released the month after.

In June 2012, it was reported that Kholousi had been sentenced to five years in prison.  According to United For Iran, Kholousi was charged with "membership in organizations that aim to disrupt national security" (Art. 499 IPC), "propaganda against the state" (Art. 500 IPC), and "assembling and colluding to act against national security" (Art. 610 IPC). United For Iran also described the charges as "acting against national security," "active membership in Bahai community and widespread missionary works," and "active membership in human rights group."  According to Human Rights Activists News Agency, Kholousi was accused of "assembly and collusion against national security, Baha’i membership, activism, and proselytizing, propaganda against the regime, and activism in defense of Baha’i student rights." 

In July 2012, Kholousi was reportedly released from prison.

In August 2012, Kholousi was arrested again after security forces broke up a relief camp set up to help earthquake victims in eastern Azerbaijan.  Kholousi was working there as a volunteer.

In September 2012, Kholousi was released again.

In January 2013, Kholousi was sentenced to two years in prison in relation to his work at the relief camp.

In September 2013, it was reported that the East Azerbaijan Court of Appeals acquitted Kholousi.

In September 2015, Kholousi was taken into state custody to begin serving his 2012 five-year sentence after an appeals court upheld the sentence. Kholousi was transferred to Rajai Shahr Prison.

In March 2018, it was reported that Kholousi was experiencing medical problems.  He had reportedly become ill and fallen unconscious.  Prison authorities reportedly denied him proper medical care.

In March 2020, Kholousi was reportedly granted release on furlough.

In April 2020, Kholousi was reportedly granted full release from prison in light of COVID-19 and the Nowruz holiday.

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