Behzad Dhabihi Still in Solitary, Despite Bail

Behzad Dhabihi is still being held in solitary confinement in the Ministry of Intelligence detention facility in Sari, although bail has been granted and paid.

According to the report of Human Rights Activists News Agency in Iran (HRANA), he was arrested on February 22, and detained by the Ministry in solitary confinement, although bail of 50 million tumans (31,000 euros, $41,000 US) has been posted, apparently because of administrative delays in registering the collateral.

At the time of his arrest his home was searched and his place of business closed down, for the third time in recent years. On January 30, 2011, when agents from the Ministry of Intelligence searched his home and business, seized some personal effects and closed his business.

He is also reported to have been arrested in March 2011 and April 2012, and released on bail after a period in detention.

Because Bahais are barred from most professions and from regular employment in most economic sectors in Iran, a large portion run small businesses, which are subject to arbitrary closure by the authorities.

HRANA News Agency