Additional Name(s): ثمین احسانی

Gender: Female

Perpetrator: Iran

Religion or Belief: Bahá`í

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: Yes

Appeal: Rejected

Sentence: 5 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: June/15/2022

Date of Release: May/21/2023

Current Status: Released

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Religious Activity Religious Belief

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

Samin Ehsani

Extra Bio Info:

Samin Ehsani was imprisoned in relation to her religious belief and activity.

In August 2011, authorities arrested Ehsani, a children's rights activist, after she went to court to resolve some passport issues. Security forces reportedly raided her home and confiscated her belongings including her computer and religious materials.

A months later, Ehsani was released on bail. She was reportedly forced to stay in solitary confinement for 11 days. 

There are conflicting reports on the year Ehsani was sentenced. Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court reportedly sentenced Ehsani to five years in prison for “propaganda against the regime” and “membership in the heretical Baha’i sect."

On an unspecified date, a Tehran appeals court reportedly upheld Ehsani's sentence. 

On June 15, 2022, security forces reportedly took Ehsani into custody to begin serving her sentence.

In August 2022, it was reported that Ehsani contracted COVID-19 and was being denied proper medical care.

On May 21, 2023, Ehsani was reportedly released from prison after her sentence was converted into an open sentence. She will serve the remainder of her sentence outside of prison on parole.

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