New Delhi, March 31 An organization representing Baha'is in India on Tuesday appealed to the government and civil society to act immediately to ensure the safety and a fair trial for one of their community members who is imprisoned in Iran, according to an official statement.
Peyvand Naimi, a young Baha'i imprisoned in Iran, is said to be facing torture, mock executions, and forced confessions on fabricated charges without a trial, the statement alleges.
Naimi's case has drawn growing global concern in recent weeks. Naimi, a young professional from Kerman, was arrested on January 8. He has been accused of participating in anti-government protests.
The Baha'i community has called on the government, international organizations, and civil society to act immediately to ensure Naimi's safety, guarantee access to medical care, and uphold his right to a fair and transparent legal process, according to the statement issued by the office of public affairs of the Baha'i community of India here.
For his aunt Paria Sabet, a resident of Srinagar and an educator, the situation is both urgent and deeply personal.
"The thought of him facing mock executions—not once, but twice—along with torture and isolation, is unbearable. I appeal not just as his aunt, but as a human being—please do not let this injustice continue," she said.
"He deserves a chance to live freely, without fear, without torture, and without the shadow of execution. I urge all those in positions of authority—please act now. His life depends on it," she said.
Sabet has appealed to both the media and government authorities in India to take urgent steps to exert pressure on Iran to halt the imminent persecution and possible execution of her nephew.
It has been pointed out in his defense that the charges are fundamentally flawed as they relate to incidents that allegedly took place when he was already in detention, the statement said.
Despite this, authorities continue to pursue these allegations, which carry the threat of capital punishment, it said.
Naimi is currently being held in solitary confinement and is reportedly suffering from deteriorating physical and psychological health, while being denied access to medical care, the statement said.
Nilakshi Rajkhowa, director of the office of public affairs of the Baha'is of India, said subjecting a young individual to torture, coercion, and denial of due process is a grave violation of human dignity and justice.
"The reported use of mock executions and prolonged mistreatment is deeply alarming and calls for urgent attention from the international community. Upholding the rule of law and protecting fundamental human rights must remain a shared global responsibility," she said.
The Baha'is, the largest religious minority in Iran, have faced systematic discrimination and repression for decades, particularly since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979, the statement said.
India is home to a vibrant Baha'i community guided by principles such as the oneness of humanity and the unity of religions. One of the most visible expressions of these ideals is the Baha'i House of Worship, commonly known as the Lotus Temple, in New Delhi.