A month after arrest, prisoner's location still undisclosed

Two disturbing reports of unnanounced arrests of three Baha'is in the region of Mazandaran.

Worrisome Situation of an Imprisoned Baha'i

Posted: 21 Aug 2009

The following is a report by Human Rights Activists News Agency which appears below in translation:

Despite being arrested more than a month ago, there is no news about whereabouts of a Baha'i resident of Qa'emshahr.

While at work, Sohrab Laqa'i, a Baha'i resident of Qa'emshahr, in the province of Mazandaran, was arrested in the afternoon of July 8 by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence who produced no warrant for his detention. However, in all these days, Mr. Laqa'i has had only a very short conversation with one of his children, though no mention was made of his whereabouts or conditions under which he remains incarcerated.

In response to many inquiries by his family from the local judiciary or security authorities regarding Mr. Laqa'i's condition, whereabouts or charges against him, no specific or convincing answers have been given. The vary fact that authorities remain evasive about this case has given considerable worries to the family.

It should be mentioned that Mr. Laqa'i's resident was raided and searched more than a month ago by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence, who confiscated his computer, CDs and books.

[Posted on Wednesday, August 19, 2009, at hra-news. Translation by Iran Press Watch.]

Mother and Son Arrested

Posted: 22 Aug 2009

According to Television Washington online site, on Tuesday, August 4, 2009, agents of the Ministry of Intelligence in the town of Sari, in northern Iran, arrested Mrs. Vesal Yusufi, a 38-year old resident of the village of Mahforuzak, in the vicinity of Sari, along with her 18-year old son, Payam Yusufi. Agents produced no court order or warrant for this arrest, and used extremely offensive language and abusive behavior in the course of this conduct.

The two Baha’is were taken to an unknown destination.

Mrs. Yusufi’s sister has stated that the agents searched their home and confiscated religious books and pictures, and also personal items.

According to Television Washington site, there is no news of this mother and son after their arrest and their whereabouts remains unknown.

[Posted on Saturday, August 8, 2009, at Television Washington. Translation by Iran Press Watch.]

From Iran Press Watch