A group of UN special rapporteurs and human rights experts, in a statement, expressed concern about arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, torture, and ill-treatment of Baha’is in Iran, and warned that the physical and mental health of a number of detainees is at risk.

In the statement issued by 13 UN special rapporteurs and experts, it is stated that 57 Baha’i citizens are imprisoned in Iran, and that some have been forced under torture to make coerced confessions broadcast by government media.

The experts said that Payvand Naeimi and Barna Naeimi were subjected to physical and psychological abuse to obtain false confessions, and to staged executions, and are being held in temporary detention. They also mentioned Payam Vali, Roya Thabit, Artin Gazanfari, and Shakila Qasemi.

They considered these actions part of the escalating crackdown on Baha’is and emphasized that targeting religious minorities through arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, and the application of pressure violates the right to freedom of religion or belief.

The experts urged officials of the Islamic Republic to ensure detainees’ access to a lawyer and medical services, and to independently investigate reports of torture, enforced disappearance, and ill-treatment.