Payam Vali

Extra Bio Info:

Payam Vali is imprisoned for his religious belief and activity. 

On September 24, 2022, authorities in Karaj arrested Vali reportedly in relation to his being Baha'i. Security officers reportedly beat him during the arrest as well as his son.

In December 2022, it was reported that authorities had accused Vali of "propaganda against the system through the propagation of the Baha'i faith, propaganda against the holy Islamic law, communication and cooperation with foreign media through interviews and sending news of human rights violations and inciting people to create ongoing protests through the virtual space." Accusations are reportedly in relation to Vali's communications about Baha'i persecution. Vali has also reportedly been denied phone calls to his family and access to a lawyer.

In February 2023, it was reported that the Alborz Revolutionary Court had sentenced to ten years in prison for “collaboration with hostile countries,” five years for “inciting people to commit violence,” and one year for “propaganda against the regime.” The court also reportedly imposed a two-year travel ban and two years of exile in Yasuj county.

On May 10, 2023, the Alborz Court of Appeals reduced Vali's sentence to six years for “collaboration with adversary countries,” three years and one month for “inciting people to commit violence,” and eight months for “propaganda against the regime.” Vali is expected to serve six years in prison as the sentences run concurrently.

In July 2023, it was reported that the Karaj Revolutionary Court had accused Vali of “spreading falsehood on the Internet through the dissemination of unlawful content.”