Additional Name(s): رضا رسایی

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Iran

Ethnic Group: Kurd

Religion or Belief: Yarsani

Reports of Torture: Yes

Appeal: Rejected

Sentence: Death

Date of Detainment: November//2022

Current Status: Not Released

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Attending a Religious Gathering or Meeting Protesting Religious Freedom Conditions Religious Association Resisting State-Imposed Religious Systems Women’s Rights

Nature of Charges: Murder & Attempted Murder

Reza Rasaei

Extra Bio Info:

Reza Rasaei is imprisoned and sentenced to death for protesting religious freedom conditions.

In November 2022, Iranian security forces arrested Rasaei, a Yarsani adherant, in Karaj after falsely accusing him of killing a security officer at a ceremony commemorating the death of a prominent Yarsani religious figure. He was later transferred to Dizel Abad Prison in Kermanshah following interrogation by intelligence authorities. Rasaei was reportedly charged with "killing a government agent" among other charges. While in detention Rasaei was allegedly severely tortured and forced to confess to build a legal case against him. Rasaei's arrest came amid a crackdown on protestors, civil society, and former political prisoners following nationwide protests against the killing of Mahsa Amini and the compulsory hijab law. 

In October 2023, it was reported that the Second Branch of the Kermanshah Criminal Court had sentenced Rasaei to death.

In December 2023, it was reported that the Supreme Court upheld Rasaei's sentence.

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