Mashhad Baha'is receive heavy prison terms

Human Rights Activists in Iran

The court of Review in Mashhad issued heavy sentences for 9 Baha'i residents in this city.
According to these sentences, five of these men and women by the names of Sima Eshraqi, Rozita Vatefi, Davar Nabil Zadeh, Jalayer Vahdat and Nahid Qadiri were each sentenced to 5 years of prison on charges of spreading propaganda against the government, acting against national security by membership in and illegal activities for a Baha'i organization, advertizing on behalf of and being in contact with outsiders, holding illegal gatherings, and publishing and distributing CD's and books related to the Baha'i faith.
Four other Baha'is by the names of Nasrin Qadiri, Kaviz Nouzedhi, Houman Bakht Avar and Sima Rajabian were sentenced to two years of prison.
Qadiri and Vatefi have been jailed for more than 40 days.