Geneva: A young Baha’i prisoner in Iran is facing “imminent danger” after allegedly enduring severe torture, mock executions, and forced interrogation while in custody, according to the Baha’i International Community.
Peyvand Naimi, currently held in Kerman Prison, was arrested on January 8 on charges of instigating unrest during nationwide protests. He was initially detained at a facility run by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), which has long been accused by human rights groups of mistreatment of detainees.
According to rights advocates, Naimi has been subjected to two mock executions—considered a form of psychological torture prohibited under international law—as well as prolonged physical abuse.
Authorities allegedly extracted a forced confession under duress, which was later broadcast on state television on February 1. No formal trial has been conducted, and no evidence has been publicly presented to substantiate the charges against him.
Despite reports of prisoner releases in recent weeks amid the ongoing crisis in the country, Naimi remains in detention, reportedly targeted for his religious identity as a member of the Baha’i community.
The case has drawn sharp criticism from international observers, particularly following additional accusations made on February 28, when authorities reportedly linked Naimi to the deaths of three Basij security personnel during the protests—despite claims that he was already in custody at the time of the incident.
He was also accused of celebrating the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei—an allegation his family disputes, noting he had no access to outside communication while imprisoned.
Family members say his physical and psychological condition has rapidly deteriorated. A relative outside Iran reported that Naimi “broke down in tears” during brief family visits and appeared “visibly traumatized” after the mock executions. Despite intense pressure, he has reportedly continued to deny all allegations.
From mid-March, Naimi is said to have endured continuous torture for over ten days, including being bound for 48 hours, beaten repeatedly, deprived of food and water, and subjected to verbal abuse targeting his religious beliefs.
He is currently being held in solitary confinement and is reportedly suffering from untreated medical conditions, including involuntary eye twitching and gastrointestinal distress.
Simin Fahandej, a representative of the Baha’i International Community to the United Nations in Geneva, condemned the treatment, stating that the Iranian authorities have “no evidence” against Naimi and are relying on coercion to fabricate a case.
“The brutal treatment of Peyvand, an innocent young man, shows that the Iranian government’s scapegoating of the Baha’i community knows no bounds,” she said, urging the international community to intervene.
The persecution of Baha’is in Iran dates back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution, with the community facing decades of systemic discrimination, arrests, and disinformation campaigns.
Human rights groups have repeatedly documented the use of torture and forced confessions in Iranian detention facilities, raising fresh concerns over Naimi’s safety as calls grow for urgent international action.