TAKE ACTION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

Former Educator, Writer, and Poet Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Religious Beliefs

Banned Books Week: Iran

Mahvash Sabet, a prominent member of Iran’s Baha’i community, was arrested in 2022 and sentenced to 10 years in prison after a reported one-hour trial. A prisoner of conscience, she is being punished solely for peacefully exercising her right to freedom of religion and for her past community leadership. A former educator, writer, and poet, she had previously been imprisoned from 2008 to 2017 alongside six other Baha’i leaders on baseless charges. Her case reflects the wider persecution and systematic denial of rights faced by Baha’is in Iran.

Call on the Iranian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Mahvash Sabet - send your message using our email writing tool.

YOUR INFORMATION

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Address

Apt., Ste., Bldg.

City

State

Postal Code

Country

Phone Number (Optional)

By providing your mobile number, you are signing up to receive calls and recurring fundraising and advocacy messages from Amnesty International USA at 213-33. Reply STOP to quit. Msg and data rates may apply. Privacy & Terms.

Postal Address Sharing

Do not exchange my postal address with other organizations.

Customize your message

Head of the Judiciary

Gholamhossein

Mohseni Ejei

Islamic Republic of Iran

Dear Your Excellency,

I write to express my serious concern about the case of Mahvash Sabet, a 72‑year‑old member of Iran’s Baha’i religious minority, who was arrested in 2022 and sentenced to ten years in prison following a reportedly one‑hour trial. She was convicted on charges related to her peaceful religious activity and prior service to her community. She is a prisoner of conscience, detained solely for exercising her right to freedom of religion.

Ms. Sabet has reportedly suffered serious abuse in custody, including broken knees sustained during interrogation, prolonged solitary confinement, and detention while ill with COVID‑19. She is an educator and former director of the banned Baha’i Institute for Higher Education, as well as a respected writer and poet recognized by PEN International as an “International Writer of Courage.”

Ms. Sabet previously spent nearly a decade in prison after the 2008 arrest of members of the Yaran, an informal group serving the Baha’i community. She was released in 2017 after convictions based on unfounded charges.

I urge you to ensure that Mahvash Sabet is treated humanely, granted access to adequate medical care and her family, and immediately and unconditionally released.

Yours sincerely,

{user_data~First Name} {user_data~Last Name}