Shahdokht Khanjani

Extra Bio Info:

Shahdokht Khanjani was detained in relation to her religious belief or activity.

On May 29, 2023, authorities arrested Khanjani at her residence in Samnan in relation to her being a Baha'i. The authorities also searched Khanjani's residence and confiscated personal items belonging to her and her family.

In June 2023, Khanjani was reportedly released from prison.

In September 2023, it was reported that Khanjani was sentenced to 16 years in prison on multiple charges, including ten years for forming a group with the intent to disrupt security, five years for assembly and collusion, and one year for propaganda against the regime. 

In January 2024, the Semnan Court of Appeal partially upheld Khanjani's sentence. The court sentenced her to ten years in prison for “forming groups to act against national security” and one year in prison for “propaganda against the regime." It also dropped her sentence for "propagating the Baha'i sect" originally handed down in September. Additionally, it annulled a fine and a 15-year deprivation of social rights. Khanjani is expected to serve ten years in prison as the sentences run concurrently.

In February 2024, the Court of Appeals in Iran’s central Semnan province upheld Khanhani's 11-year prison sentence. 

In March 2025, the court of first instance upheld the initial ruling of the Court of Appeals.