Extra Bio Info:

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. 

Extra Bio Info:

Farhad Fahandezh was imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.

On October 17, 2012, intelligence officials arrested Fahandezh and several other Bahá’ís of Gorgan and the surrounding areas of Golestan Province following raids on their homes.  Authorities reportedly confiscated religious books, portraits, and CDs. Fahandezh was reportedly denied access to a lawyer.

On April 24, 2013, Fahandezh was reportedly sentenced to ten years in prison for “founding or leading an organization that aims to disrupt national security" (Art. 498 IPC) and "propaganda against the state" (Art. 500 IPC).

Fahandezh has been subjected to prolonged solitary confinement and inhumane living conditions throughout his detention.

On March 16, 2020, Fahandezh was reportedly released on furlough in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In October 2020, the Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that Fahandezh was still in prison, had contracted COVID-19, and was placed in solitary confinement for 13 days.  He is currently believed to be in the the general ward of Rajai Shahr Prison.

On August 25, 2022, Fahandezh was released from prison after completing his sentence.

Fahandezh is married with two children.

Fahandezh had previously been imprisoned for his religious activity.  In 1983, Fahandezh was arrested and sentenced to six years in prison.

Extra Bio Info:

Xu Zhaoling was imprisoned for her religious belief and activity.

On August 9, 2014, officers from the Public Security Bureau of Wulian county, Rizhao city, Shandong province, detained Xu reportedly in relation to her organizing of religious gatherings, preaching, and distribution of religious materials. Police reportedly confiscated religious materials in Xu's possession. Xu was reportedly tortured during interrogation.

On April 9, 2015, the Wulian People’s Court sentenced Xu to nine years in prison and fined her 20,000 yuan for "organizing or using a cult to undermine implementation of the law" (Art. 300 CCL).

Xu's sentence should have ended in August 2023.