Iranian child‑rights activist Afshin Heirati sentenced to up to 31 years in prison

Afshin Heirati, a 46‑year‑old Baha’i child‑rights activist from Tehran, was sentenced by the Tehran Revolutionary Court to a total of 31 years in prison and monetary fines. The court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, imposed 12 years for forming an illegal group, 11 years for anti‑Islamic propaganda, six years for conspiracy, and two years for illicit money‑earning, along with a fine of 330 million rials and a penalty of twice the $2,000 received illegally. Under Iran’s multiple‑offence rules, the heaviest term – 12 years – would be applied if the verdict is upheld on appeal.

Heirati had been detained for more than 250 days before the trial and was arrested on 20 November 2024 at his mother’s home by security forces, after which he was transferred to Evin prison. The sentencing follows previous arrests linked to his activism and religious affiliation. Recent reports from Iran’s human‑rights monitoring network indicate that about 72 % of documented violations against religious minorities in the country involve Baha’i citizens.