According to HRANA, Sahar Biramabadi, a children’s rights activist and a Baha’i resident in the city of Kerman was detained by security forces. Biramabadi was arrested on the charge of “Preaching the Baha’i faith under the cover of engaging in humanitarian activities”. Her family was informed that Biramabadi was transferred to the city of Bam.
Biramabadi worked with a charity association that helps harmed children in Bam (the site of a deadly earthquake in 2003).
On March 2nd, Saman Ostovar, another Baha’i resident in Kerman was arrested on the same charge as Biramabadi.
Security officials arrested 54 Baha’is in the city of Shiraz in 2006, on the charge of “Cooperation with UNICEF”. In Iran, humanitarian and philanthropic activities conducted by followers of the Baha’i faith have always been considered a tool for preaching their faith. Cracking down on followers of the Baha’i faith has tremendously increased in recent years.
Translation Siavosh Jalili, Persian2English
