Anisa Fanaian

Additional Name(s): آنیسا فنائیان

Gender: Female

Perpetrator: Iran

Religion or Belief: Bahá`í

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Sentence: Originally 10 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: August/21/2023

Date of Release: December//2023

Current Status: Released

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Detainment

Reason for Persecution: Religious Activity Religious Belief

Nature of Charges: Spreading Propaganda & False or Misleading Ideas, Information, or Materials Threat

Anisa Fanaian

Extra Bio Info:

Anisa Fanaian was detained for her religious belief and activity.

On August 21, 2023, security forces arrested Fanaian at her home in Semnan City. Authorities reportedly conducted a thorough search of her home and confiscated personal belongings, including books, computers and mobile phones.

On August 27/28, 2023, Fanaian was reportedly released on bail from Semnan Prison. 

In late 2023, the Revolutionary Court of Semnan sentenced Fanaian to 16 years in prison, including ten years for "forming a group to disrupt national security," five years for "engaging in educational or promotional activities against sacred Islamic principles," and one year for "propaganda against the regime." She was also fined and deprived of her social rights. 

On December 7, 2024, Judge Javad Raisi and Judge Ali Momeni of Branch 7 of the Court of Appeal in Semnan Province reduced Fanaian's prison sentence to eight years in prison, under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code for "forming a group to disrupt national security" and "propaganda against the regime." 

In February 2025, Iranian authorities summoned Fanaian to serve her sentence, even though the Supreme Court is reviewing the current two charges against her.

Fanaian has previously been imprisoned for her religious beliefs. 

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