Additional Name(s): شهدخت خانجانی

Gender: Female

Perpetrator: Iran

Religion or Belief: Bahá`í

Date of Detainment: May/29/2023

Date of Release: June//2023

Current Status: Released

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Detainment

Reason for Persecution: Religious Activity Religious Belief

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

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.

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