Mazaher Heydari

Gender: Male

Current Location: Shahr-e Kord Prison

Perpetrator: Iran

Religion or Belief: Muslim – Sufi

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Sentence: 40 Months’ Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: June//2024

Date of Sentencing: June//2024

Current Status: Not Released

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Protesting Religious Freedom Conditions Religious Activity Religious Belief Women’s Rights

Nature of Charges: Incitement to Commit Crime & Violence Spreading Propaganda & False or Misleading Ideas, Information, or Materials Treason & Sedition

Mazaher Heydari

Extra Bio Info:

Mazaher Heydari is imprisoned for his religious belief and activity. 

In June 2024, Iranian security forces arrested Heydari, a Gonabadi Sufi who has advocated for women’s rights, in Shahr-e Kord and taken to the city’s prison. Judge Balanian of Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Shahr-e Kord later sentenced Heydari to a total of 40 months in prison on charges of “disturbing public opinion,” “propaganda against the regime,” and “assembly and collusion against national security.” Iranian authorities have a record of using these charges to target religious minorities in Iran, particularly Gonabadi Sufis who have protested against the regime’s religious persecution of the group. Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the most severe sentence, 32 months in prison, will be enforced.

In July 2024, Heydari was placed in quarantine after completing a 10-day hunger strike.

On August 10, 2024, Heydari reportedly began a hunger strike in protest of his detention. His family said that he has been denied phone calls and has sewn his lips shut.

On August 26, it was reported that Heydari was transferred to a hospital for his declining health situation amid his ongoing hunger strike.

Heydari was previously arrested in February 2018 for his participation in the 7th Golestan protests.

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