Extra Bio Info:

Saeed Goudarzi was imprisoned for his religious association and for protesting religious freedom conditions.

In February 2018, authorities arrested Goudarzi following a violent crackdown on people protesting the arrest of Nematollah Riahi. Riahi, a member of the Sufi Gonabadi Order, had come to Tehran earlier in February to participate in a sit-in protesting the house arrest of spiritual leader Noor Ali Tabandeh.

Goudarzi's charges and sentence are unclear.

In March 2020, Goudarzi was reportedly released from prison following a state directive in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

Extra Bio Info:

Shahnam Jazbani was imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.

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

In December 2012, Jazbani was released on bail.

In January 2016, the Gorgan Revolutionary Court sentenced Jazbani to 11 years in prison for “founding or leading an organization that aims to disrupt national security" (Art. 498 IPC), "propaganda against the state" (Art. 500 IPC), and “cooperating…with foreign States against the Islamic Republic of Iran” (Art. 508 IPC).

In December 2016, Branch 2 of the Golestan Court of Appeals acquitted Jazbani of "contact with the Israeli government."

On an unspecified date, Jazbani's sentence was reduced to 15 months in prison.

On May 27, 2018, Jazbani was taken into custody to begin serving his sentence.

On December 28, 2019, Jazbani was released from prison.

Jazbani was reportedly denied adequate medical care and subjected to torture and prolonged solitary confinement while in state custody.