Iran: Bahá’í Man Tortured & Faces Execution – Family Plea for Help

The international community is increasingly focused on the case of Peyvand Naimi, a 28-year-vintage member of the Bahá’í faith currently imprisoned in Iran. Concerns are mounting over reports of torture, interrogation, and even mock executions endured by Naimi following his arrest on January 8th, as his cousin, Sama Sabet, living in Dublin, Ireland, has publicly revealed. The case highlights the ongoing persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran, a pattern documented for decades by the United Nations and international human rights organizations.

A Family’s Plea and a Pattern of Persecution

Sama Sabet’s appeal for international support underscores the desperation felt by the Bahá’í community regarding Naimi’s fate. According to Ms. Sabet, her cousin was arrested amidst the Iranian government’s crackdown on protests that began in January. He was subsequently taken into custody by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a detention center known for its harsh treatment of prisoners. The charges against Naimi are described by his relatives as “false,” stemming from his religious affiliation rather than any demonstrable criminal activity. This echoes a long-standing pattern of persecution faced by Bahá’ís in Iran, where they are routinely denied basic civil rights, subjected to imprisonment, and have their property destroyed. The Baháʼí International Community has issued a statement confirming Naimi is in “serious danger.”

Escalating Accusations and Forced Confessions

The situation for Naimi deteriorated rapidly after his arrest. Following weeks of alleged torture, he was coerced into making a confession on state television on February 1st, admitting to “a number of baseless charges.” The Iranian authorities then escalated the accusations, alleging Naimi’s involvement in the deaths of three Basij security agents during the January protests – despite the fact that he was already in detention at the time of the alleged incident. Further compounding the situation, he was accused of celebrating the death of Iran’s former supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, an accusation Ms. Sabet vehemently denies, stating her cousin had no access to information while imprisoned. Simin Fahandej, the UN’s Bahá’í International Community Representative, has pointed out the lack of any credible evidence supporting these claims, stating that the reliance on torture to extract a confession is indicative of the true motivation: Naimi’s faith. “If it did, it would not have to resort to torture to extract a false confession,” she said.

The Bahá’í Faith and its History in Iran

The Bahá’í faith, founded in 19th-century Persia (now Iran), emphasizes the spiritual unity of all humankind. Its tenets include the elimination of all forms of prejudice and the establishment of a global civilization based on justice and peace. Whereas, the faith has faced severe persecution in Iran since its inception, particularly after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The Iranian government views the Bahá’í faith as a political threat and has systematically discriminated against its followers. This discrimination extends to all aspects of life, including education, employment, and access to justice. The UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief has repeatedly documented these violations, calling on the Iranian government to end its persecution of the Bahá’í community. RTE News reports that the persecution has been documented for many years.

Ireland’s Consistent Condemnation and International Response

Ireland has been a consistent voice condemning the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran. At the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council last year, Ireland’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Noel White, explicitly condemned the “continued discrimination and oppression of minority groups in Iran,” specifically highlighting the limitations faced by Bahá’ís in accessing education and legal representation, as well as the increasing concerns regarding the detention and oppression of Bahá’í women. This stance reflects a broader international concern over human rights violations in Iran. However, concrete action beyond condemnation has been limited, with diplomatic efforts often hampered by political complexities and Iran’s resistance to external scrutiny.

The Role of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)

The IRGC’s involvement in Naimi’s case is particularly troubling. The IRGC is a powerful military and political organization in Iran, with a documented history of human rights abuses. Its detention centers are notorious for their use of torture and mistreatment of prisoners. The IRGC’s control over the judicial system and security apparatus allows it to operate with impunity, making it difficult to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. The US government has designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization, citing its support for terrorism and its role in suppressing dissent. Instagram posts from the Baháʼí International Community highlight the severity of the situation.

What’s Confirmed and What Remains Unclear

Confirmed: Peyvand Naimi was arrested on January 8th, 2026, and is currently detained in Kerman Prison. He has been subjected to torture and interrogation by the IRGC. He was forced to make a confession on state television. He has been falsely accused of crimes he could not have committed while in detention. The Bahá’í International Community and the UN have expressed serious concerns for his safety. Ireland has consistently condemned the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran.

Unclear: The full extent of the torture Naimi has endured remains unconfirmed, relying on reports from his family and the Bahá’í International Community. The specific details of the evidence (or lack thereof) presented against him are also unclear, as the proceedings have not been transparent. The potential for a fair trial remains highly doubtful, given the political nature of the charges and the influence of the IRGC.

Next Steps and Potential Avenues for Intervention

The immediate priority is securing Naimi’s safety and ensuring his access to legal representation. However, given the Iranian government’s track record, this will likely require sustained international pressure. Diplomatic efforts, led by countries like Ireland and supported by the UN Human Rights Council, could focus on demanding Naimi’s release and calling for an independent investigation into the allegations of torture. Further sanctions targeting individuals and entities involved in human rights abuses within the IRGC could also be considered, although the effectiveness of such measures is often debated. Continued public awareness campaigns, like the one initiated by Ms. Sabet, are crucial for keeping the pressure on the Iranian government and amplifying the voices of those who are suffering. The Bahá’í International Community is actively lobbying governments and international organizations to take action, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the need for a coordinated response.