Unprecedented Repression of Jews in Iran
Since early July 2025, a new wave of repression against Iran’s Jewish community has begun. Thirty-five Jewish citizens in Tehran, Shiraz, and Isfahan have been arrested or summoned without judicial rulings or formal charges. Their homes and workplaces have been searched, and detainees were transferred to unknown locations. Families and lawyers remain uninformed of their conditions.
The authorities’ focus has been on family communications, contacts with relatives in Israel, and religious activities. These arrests began following repeated anti-Israel statements by Iranian clerical officials and after an intensification of hate propaganda in state media. Alongside arrests, many Jewish businesses have been shut down.
So far, those arrested include Navid Ronen (Shiraz), Shahab Yosef (Shiraz), and Avoudah Hakimi (Tehran), along with 70-year-old Iranian-American citizen Fereydoun Namakpour (Tehran). Others are also being held under harsh security conditions. Reports suggest the detainees are being accused of spying for Israel. These actions have created a climate of fear among religious minorities, activists, and Jewish citizens in Iran.
Violation of Judicial Principles and Civil Rights
According to Article 13 of Iran’s Constitution, Judaism is recognized as an official religion, and Jews, like Christians and Zoroastrians, are entitled to freely perform their religious ceremonies. However, the recent incidents clearly violate this principle.
Furthermore, Article 9 of the Constitution emphasizes political and religious freedoms, while Article 14 calls for humane treatment of all non-Muslims. These arrests constitute coercion and intimidation, depriving Jews of their fundamental rights.
Defense of Human Rights Association in Iran,
We strongly condemn these repressive measures and support the unconditional release of all detainees. We stress that religious freedom and security are fundamental conditions for peaceful coexistence. By continuing such practices, the Iranian government openly violates international human rights treaties.
We stand with all religious minorities in Iran in defense of full and equal civil rights.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- Article 2: Prohibition of discrimination.
- Article 3: The right to life, liberty, and security.
- Article 6: Recognition of human dignity everywhere.
- Article 7: Equality before the law.
- Article 9: Protection against arbitrary arrest.
- Article 18: Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.
Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran
- Article 12: Official religion is Islam, but recognition of religious minorities is guaranteed.
- Article 13: Judaism, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism are officially recognized.
- Article 14: Rights of non-Muslims must be respected.
- Article 23: Freedom of belief and prohibition of coercion.
- Article 38: Prohibition of torture.
Defense of Human Rights Association in Iran
Defense of Defense of the Rights of Followers of Religions Committee
Translated by Alireza Jahan Bin
