Concerns Rise Over Torture of Baha'i Prisoner in Iran

Escalating Persecution of Baha'is in Iran

Recent events indicate that Iranian authorities are subjecting a Baha'i prisoner to torture in an effort to coerce testimony against another individual. This raises alarms about the Islamic Republic's increasing oppression of Baha'is.

Geneva—April 10, 2026—Borna Naimi, a 29-year-old Baha'i and father of a three-year-old girl, has reportedly endured mock executions and various forms of torture, including electric shocks, since his arrest in Kerman on March 1. These actions have heightened concerns regarding the treatment of Baha'is in Iran, particularly as he is not alone in facing such brutality. The Baha'i community is recognized as the largest non-Muslim religious minority in Iran. During the initial days of his detention, Borna was repeatedly beaten, resulting in multiple injuries to his ribs, sides, and back. He was also taken to locations near his home, where threats were made against his wife and young daughter, including the possibility of sending his child to a government orphanage if he did not comply.

Borna was subjected to such severe torture that he was coerced into signing a false confession, implicating himself and his cousin, Pevand Naimi, in the killings of Basij guards during protests on January 8. There is no evidence to support this accusation, and neither Borna nor Pevand could have committed the alleged crimes, as they occurred after Pevand's arrest and while Borna was at home with his family. The coerced confession was pre-written and handed to him to read. No charges have been filed against either prisoner.

The bond between Borna and his daughter is profound. The psychological pressure placed on his daughter aims to break Borna mentally, forcing him to confess to crimes he did not commit. This situation has deeply traumatized his daughter, who believes her father has abandoned her. Other inmates recognize Borna as a prisoner who keeps pictures and clothes of his daughter on the wall of his cell.

Simin Fahandej, a representative of the Baha'i International Community in Geneva, stated, "It is heartbreaking to witness the suffering of this family, who endure such cruelty solely due to their faith. History will remember not only the brutal crimes of the Islamic Republic of Iran but also the courage and bravery of the youth who remain steadfast in their beliefs despite the government's relentless efforts to crush them."

During the early days of his imprisonment, Borna was held in a special section of the prison referred to as the "suite" or "death chamber," where death row inmates are kept 48 hours before execution. Reports indicate that he was isolated in a small room measuring approximately 2x2 meters, where the distinction between day and night became indistinguishable. Despite this, Borna continued to face extensive torture, including electric shocks, which left burn marks on his legs.

Following the mock execution, Borna experienced treatment similar to that inflicted on Pevand, as detailed in a report by the Baha'i International Community on March 24. Such incidents raise serious concerns about the escalating violence and oppression faced by the Baha'i community in Iran. The Iranian government is attempting to blame them for the crises plaguing the country. The anxiety surrounding the increasing persecution intensifies as officials seek to scapegoat the Baha'i community for the protests in January 2026 and the ongoing turmoil. Ms. Fahandej remarked, "The treatment of Borna and Pevand is a clear indication of the Islamic Republic's ruthless attempts to fabricate false charges against Baha'is and hold them accountable for crimes they never committed."

"This raises serious concerns about the government's schemes and malice towards the Baha'i community, which is repeatedly scapegoated during national crises to divert attention from the oppression perpetrated by the government. Such acts not only endanger the lives of innocent individuals but also reinforce a systematic pattern of abuse aimed at isolating an entire minority community, violating their human dignity, and silencing them."

Background

● Borna was arrested at his workplace by six masked officers from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He was handcuffed and taken to an IRGC detention center, but his family received no information about his whereabouts or condition for three days. Afterward, brief phone calls were permitted, but these were cut off after March 8. Borna is a skilled karate player who has won gold medals in both domestic and international competitions.

● Pevand was first arrested on January 8 during protests for allegedly inciting unrest and killing Basij officials. He was tortured and subjected to mock executions twice. Following his arrest on March 1, Borna was falsely accused of being involved in the alleged killings alongside Pevand, despite Pevand being arrested before the incident and Borna being at home during that time.

● The coerced false confession from Pevand was broadcast on government television on February 1. Numerous international officials, lawmakers, prominent figures, and human rights organizations have called for Pevand's release.

● Following the protests in January, four Baha'is have been imprisoned in Kerman: Pevand Naimi, Borna Naimi, Shakila Ghasemi, and Adib Shahbazpour.