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2015 PRISONERS’ LIST

Table of Contents

AZERBAIJAN ...... 2 BHUTAN ...... 9 CHINA ...... 10 EGYPT ...... 41 ERITREA ...... 44 INDONESIA ...... 48 IRAN ...... 50 KAZAKHSTAN...... 94 LAOS ...... 97 NORTH KOREA ...... 98 PAKISTAN ...... 99 RUSSIA ...... 110 SAUDI ARABIA ...... 112 SINGAPORE ...... 113 SOUTH KOREA ...... 115 SUDAN ...... 116 TAJIKISTAN ...... 119 TURKMENISTAN ...... 121 UZBEKISTAN ...... 124 VIETNAM ...... 134

1 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 AZERBAIJAN

Jehovah's Witnesses

Valida JABRAYILOVA

Age: 38 years Date and place of arrest: 17th February 2015, Baku Charges: Illegally distributing religious literature without permission Statement of the defendant: She was distributing religious literature. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Criminal Code Article 167-2.2.1 Court decision: A criminal case against was opened against Jabrayilova at Baku’s Sabail District Court on 17th February 2015. Last court decisions: On 4th July 2015, she was given two more months of pre-trial detention by a Baku court. On 4th September 2015, the prosecutor’s request to extend the pretrial detention until 17th December 2015 was granted by the Sabail District Court. Place of detention: AZ-1104, Baki shahari, Sabunchu rayonu, Zabrat-2 qasabasi, Baki Istintaq tacridxanasi

Rashad NIFTALIYEV

Date of arrest: 14th November 2015 Charges: Organizing and conducting religious meetings, failing to pay off fines imposed on him for taking part in religious meetings Last court decision: On 19th November 2015, Ganja Kapaz District Court sentenced him to 25 days’ detention. Other information: On November 19 2015, Mr. Niftaliyev was summoned by the bailiffs’ office because of his slow payment of five previous fines imposed on him in the past five years under the same charge. Mr. Niftaliyev explained his efforts to make payments and his circumstances but the bailiff sent the matter to the court and Ganja District Court immediately jailed him. His fine is now total 9,450 manat ($11,375 U.S.). Place of detention: Baku's NSM secret police investigation prison (Milli Tahlükasizlik Nazirliyinin, Istintaq Tacridxanasi, Parlament Prospekti 14, Baku AZ-1006)

Kamran SHIKHALIYEV

Age: 18 years Date and place of arrest: 1st April 2014, Baku Charges: Evasion of military service Statement of defendant: Performing military service is incompatible with his faith. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Criminal Code Article 335.1 Court decision: Sentenced on 16 April 2014 to one year in a disciplinary unit of the military. Place of detention: Military Unit No. 704 in Lenkaran

2 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Irina ZAKHARCHENKO

Age: 54 years Date and place of arrest: 17th February 2015, Baku Charges: Illegally distributing religious literature without permission Statement of the defendant: She was distributing religious literature. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Criminal Code Article 167-2.2.1 First court decision: A criminal case against was opened against Zakharchenko at Baku’s Sabail District Court on 17th February 2015. Last court decisions: On 4th July 2015, she was given two more months of pre-trial detention by a Baku court. On 4th September, the prosecutor’s request to extend the pretrial detention until 17 December 2015 was granted by the Sabail District Court. Place of detention: AZ-1104, Baki shahari Sabunchu rayonu Zabrat-2 qasabasi Baki Istintaq tacridxanasi

Muslims

Said Nursi Readers

Eldeniz HAJIYEV

Age: 41 years Place of residence: Baku, Azerbaijan Date and place of arrest: 12th April 2014, Baku Charges: Creation of a group carrying out illegal activities under the pretext of spreading a religious faith Statement of defendant: It was a gathering 30-40 people to study of the works of the late Turkish Muslim theologian, Said Nursi, and the Koran. Articles of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Criminal Code Articles Article 167-2.2.1 and 168.2 which carries a maximum punishment of three years imprisonment. First court decision: Sentenced to two months in pre-trial detention on 14th April 2014 by Baku’s Sabail District Court. Last court decision: On 7th October 2015, he was sentenced to four years and five months in prison. Place of detention: Baku's NSM secret police investigation prison (Milli Tahlükasizlik Nazirliyinin, Istintaq Tacridxanasi, Parlament Prospekti 14, Baku AZ-1006)

Shahin HASANOV

Place of residence: Baku Date and place of arrest: April 2014, Baku Charges: Creation of a group carrying out illegal activities under the pretext of spreading a religious faith

3 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Article of the criminal code: 167-2.2.1 (distribution of religious literature without permission, committed by prior agreement or an organized criminal group), 168.1 (infringement of the rights of citizens under the pretext of religious rituals) and 168.2 (infringement of the rights of citizens under the pretext of performing religious rites involving minors in the commission of these offenses) Last court decision: On 7th October 2015, the Yasamal District Court of Baku sentenced him to five years in prison from the date of his initial detention. Statement of defendant: It was a gathering 30-40 people to study of the works of the late Turkish Muslim theologian, Said Nursi, and the Koran. Place of detention: Baku’s NSM secret police investigation prison (Milli Tahlükasizlik Nazirliyinin, Istintaq Tacridxanasi, Parlament Prospekti 14, Baku AZ-1006) until 12th September 2014

Ismayil MAMMADOV

Place of residence: Baku, Azerbaijan Date and place of arrest: 12th April 2014, Baku Charges: Creation of a group carrying out illegal activity under the pretext of spreading a religious faith Statement of defendant: It was a gathering 30-40 people to study of the works of the late Turkish Muslim theologian, Said Nursi, and the Koran. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Criminal Code Articles 167-2.2.1 and 168.2 which carries a maximum punishment of three years imprisonment First court decision: Sentenced to two months in pre-trial detention on 14th April 2014 by Baku’s Sabail District Court. Last court decision: On 7th October 2015, the Yasamal District Court of Baku sentenced him to five years five months in prison from the date of his initial detention. Place of detention: Baku's NSM secret police investigation prison (Milli Tahlükasizlik Nazirliyinin, Istintaq Tacridxanasi, Parlament Prospekti 14, Baku AZ-1006) Other information: He is the brother of Zakariyya Mammadov (see below).

Zakariyya MAMMADOV

Place of residence: Baku Date and place of arrest: 12th April 2014, Baku Charges: Creation of a group carrying out illegal activity under the pretext of spreading a religious faith Statement of defendant: It was a gathering 30-40 people to study of the works of the late Turkish Muslim theologian, Said Nursi, and the Koran. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Criminal Code Articles 176-2.2.1 and 168.1 First court decision: He was sentenced to two months in pre-trial detention on 14th April 2014 by Baku’s Sabail District Court.

4 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Last court decision: On 7th October 2015, the Yasamal District Court of Baku sentenced him to five years in prison from the date of his initial detention. Place of detention: Baku’s NSM secret police investigation prison (Milli Tahlükasizlik Nazirliyinin, Istintaq Tacridxanasi, Parlament Prospekti 14, Baku AZ-1006) until 12th September 2014

Revan SABZALIEV

Date and place of arrest: 23rd May 2014, Baku Charges: Creation of a group carrying out activity under the pretext of spreading a religious faith Statement of the defendant: He was studying of the works of the late Turkish Muslim theologian, Said Nursi, with other people to help their understanding of the Koran. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Criminal Code Article 168.2 which carries a maximum punishment of three years imprisonment First court decision: Pre-trial detention extended for a further two months on 4th August 2014 Last court decision: On 7th October 2015, the Yasamal District Court of Baku sentenced him to one year and half in prison. Place of detention: Baku's NSM secret police investigation prison (Milli Tahlükasizlik Nazirliyinin, Istintaq Tacridxanasi, Parlament Prospekti 14, Baku AZ-1006)

Sunni Muslims

Azad GAFAROV

Date and place of arrest: 26th February 2015, Baku Charges: Selling religious material without authorisation Article of criminal code: Criminal Code Article 167-2.1 This punishes: "Production, sale and distribution of religious literature, religious items and other informational materials of religious nature with the aim of import, sale and distribution without appropriate authorisation". Punishments for first time offenders acting alone are a fine of 5,000 to 7,000 Manats, or up to two years' imprisonment. First court decision: On 28th February 2015, he was sentenced to pre-trial detention. Last court decision: Sentence not known with certainty: between 6 and 15 months in early July 2015. Place of detention: Baku’s NSM secret police investigation prison (Milli Tahlükasizlik Nazirliyinin, Istintaq Tacridxanasi, Parlament Prospekti 14, Baku AZ-1006) Other information: He was connected with the Sunni Lezgin Mosque in Baku's Old City, where Imam Qarayev had led prayers until his arrest. The government intended to forcibly close the Mosque, one of many Sunni mosques the government has closed.

Eyvaz MAMMADOV

5 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016

Date and place of arrest: 24th February 2015, Baku Charges: Selling religious material without authorisation Article of criminal code: Criminal Code Article 167-2.1 This punishes: "Production, sale and distribution of religious literature, religious items and other informational materials of religious nature with the aim of import, sale and distribution without appropriate authorisation". Punishments for first time offenders acting alone are a fine of 5,000 to 7,000 manats, or up to two years' imprisonment. First court decision: On 26th February 2015, he was sentenced to pre-trial detention. Last court decision: In late July 2015, he was sentenced to nine months in prison by Judge Rashad Abdulov of Baku's Narimanov District Court. Place of detention: Baku’s NSM secret police investigation prison (Milli Tahlükasizlik Nazirliyinin, Istintaq Tacridxanasi, Parlament Prospekti 14, Baku AZ-1006) Other information: He was connected with the Sunni Lezgin Mosque in Baku's Old City, where Imam Qarayev had led prayers until his arrest. The government intended to forcibly close the Mosque, one of many Sunni mosques the government has closed.

Habibulla OMAROV

Date and place of arrest: 24th February 2015, Baku Charges: Selling religious material without authorisation Article of criminal code: Criminal Code Article 167-2.1 This punishes: "Production, sale and distribution of religious literature, religious items and other informational materials of religious nature with the aim of import, sale and distribution without appropriate authorisation". Punishments for first time offenders acting alone are a fine of 5,000 to 7,000 Manats, or up to two years' imprisonment. First court decision: On 26th February 2015, he was sentenced to pre-trial detention. Last court decision: In July 2015, he was sentenced to 6 months in prison. Place of detention: Baku’s NSM secret police investigation prison (Milli Tahlükasizlik Nazirliyinin, Istintaq Tacridxanasi, Parlament Prospekti 14, Baku AZ-1006) Other information: He was connected with the Sunni Lezgin Mosque in Baku's Old City, where Imam Qarayev had led prayers until his arrest. The government intended to forcibly close the Mosque, one of many Sunni mosques the government has closed.

Imam Mubariz QARAYEV

Age: 40 years Date and place of arrest: 24th February 2015, Baku Charges: Selling religious material withourt authorisation Article of criminal code: Criminal Code Article 167-2.1 This punishes: "Production, sale and distribution of religious literature, religious items and other informational materials of religious nature with the aim of import, sale and distribution without appropriate authorisation". Punishments for first time offenders acting alone are a fine of 5,000 to 7,000 Manats, or up to two years' imprisonment.

6 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 First court decision: On 26th February 2015, he was sentenced to pre-trial detention. Last court decision: Sentence not known with certainty: between 6 and 15 months in early July 2015. Place of detention: Baku’s NSM secret police investigation prison (Milli Tahlükasizlik Nazirliyinin, Istintaq Tacridxanasi, Parlament Prospekti 14, Baku AZ-1006) Other information: Qarayev is the imam of Lezgin Mosque in Baku’s Old City, one of the many Sunni Muslim mosques the government seeks to shut down.

Salim QASIMOV

Date and place of arrest: 24th February 2015, Baku Charges: Selling religious material without authorisation Article of criminal code: Criminal Code Article 167-2.1 This punishes: "Production, sale and distribution of religious literature, religious items and other informational materials of religious nature with the aim of import, sale and distribution without appropriate authorisation". Punishments for first time offenders acting alone are a fine of 5,000 to 7,000 Manats, or up to two years' imprisonment. First court decision: On 26th February 2015, he was sentenced to pre-trial detention. Last court decision: In July 2015, he was sentenced to 6 months in prison. Place of detention: Baku’s NSM secret police investigation prison (Milli Tahlükasizlik Nazirliyinin, Istintaq Tacridxanasi, Parlament Prospekti 14, Baku AZ-1006) Other information: He was connected with the Sunni Lezgin Mosque in Baku's Old City, where Imam Qarayev had led prayers until his arrest. The government intended to forcibly close the Mosque, one of many Sunni mosques the government has closed.

Zohrab SHIKHALIYEV

Age: 36 years Date and place of arrest: 13th November 2014, Sumgait Charges: Keeping illegal weapons and ammunition in his home Statement of the defendant: Weapons found at his home were planted. The governent is hostile to Sunni Muslims and sought a way to shut down the prayer room he operated in his home. Article of the criminal code: Criminal Code Article 228.1 First court decision: Sentenced to two months in pre-trial detention on 15th November 2014 by Baku’s Narimanov District Court. Last court decision: On 18th February 2015, he was sentenced to six months in prison by Sumgait City Court. Place of detention: It is likely he is still being held in the Investigation Prison No. 1 at Kurdakhani in Baku’s Sabunchu District until the sentence comes into force.

Shia Muslims

7 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Jeyhun JAFAROV

Age: 43 years Date and place of arrest: 10th March 2015, Baku Charges: Treason Article of criminal code: Criminal Code Article 274 which carries 12 years’ and life imprisonment First court decision: On 12th March 2015, he was sentenced by Sabail District Court to four months in pre-trial detention. Last court decision: On 9th July 2015, his pre-trial detention was extended by a further four months. Place of detention: Baku’s NSM secret police investigation prison (Milli Tahlükasizlik Nazirliyinin, Istintaq Tacridxanasi, Parlament Prospekti 14, Baku AZ-1006)

Elman AGAZADE

Date and place of arrest: 27th November 2015, in the southern coastal city of Lenkoran Charges: Co-founders of the Muslim Unity Movement Place of detention: Prison in Baku Other information: Agazade was the imam of the Hazrat Abbas Mosque.

Nuhbala RAHIMOV

Date and place of arrest: 9th December 2015, in the southern coastal city of Lenkoran Charges: Involvement in the Movement for Muslim Unity First court decision: Sentenced to 12 days pre-trial detention by the Sabunchu District court. Other information: He was an Akhund (cleric leading the prayer) of the "Sanctuary of Rahima Khanum" in Nardaran.

Mass arrests

On 5th November 2015, Baku's Sabunchu District Police arrested Imam Elchin Qasimli in the village of Mashtaga, where he leads prayers in the Hazrat Abbas Mosque, and Sahib Habibov. Police objected to a sermon Qasimli gave protesting about the 3rd November police torture of Imam Bagirov. Angered by his arrest, about 60 of Imam Qasimli's fellow-Muslims gathered that evening in front of Sabunchu District Police Station where he was being held. Police arrested about 20 of them. On 6th November Sabunchu District Court sentenced ten of them – including Imam Qasimli – to up to 30 days' imprisonment. Their names are not known.

On 26th November 2015, in Baku/ Nardaran, 14 people were arrested in a special police operation against the Muslim Unity Movement in Baku/ Nardaran: Taleh Bagirzade,

8 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Abulfaz Bunyadov, Rasim Bunyadov, Abbas Tagizada, Abbas Quliyev, Jabbar Amiraslanoglu, Rasim Jabrayilov, Karbalayi Etibar (from the village of Bilgah), Bahruz Quliyev, 17-year-old Jihad Balahuseynoglu (who is injured), Alibala Valiyev, Ibrahim (surname unknown), Shahin Abdulaliyev (from the village of Mushfiqabad) and Ali Nuriyev. At a hearing on 28th November, a Baku court (presumably Sabunchu District Court) ordered the 14 arrested in Nardaran to be held in pre-trial imprisonment for four months.

On 26th November 2015, in Gyanja, six people allegedly linked to the Muslim Unity Movement were arrested: Mubariz Ibrahimov, Ramiz Sariyev, Rovshan Asadov, Anar Sultanov, Fuzuli Abbasov and Ramil Abbasov.

The 31 arrested Shia Muslims (mentioned above) are being investigated under some or all of these Criminal Code Articles and possibly others, according to the 1st December joint statement: Article 120 ("Murder"), Article 214 ("Terrorism"), Article 220 ("Mass disorder"), Article 228 ("Illegal purchase, transfer, selling, storage, transportation and carrying of firearms, accessories to firearms, ammunition and explosives"), Article 233 ("Organisation of actions promoting infringement of the social order or active participation in such actions"), Article 278 ("Violent attempts to seize power"), Article 279 ("Creation of illegal armed formations or groups"), Article 281 ("Public appeals for violence directed against the state"), Article 283 ("Inciting national, racial or religious hatred"), and Article 315 ("Application of violence, resistance with application of violence against a representative of authority in connection with performance of official duties by him, or application of violence not dangerous to life or health concerning his close relatives, as well as threat of application of such violence").

As of end December 2015, Human Rights Without Frontiers could not say if the arrested people have been detained on the grounds of freedom of religion or belief as protected by Article 9 of the European Convention and Article 18 of the International Covenant Civil and Political Rights, or for other reasons.

BHUTAN

Protestant

Tandin WANGYAL

Age: 30 years Date of and place of arrest: On 5th March 2014, in Khapdani village (Dorokha) Charges: Conducting a religious meeting without prior approval, showing a film without certificate of approval from the concerned media authorities, and collecting 'illegal funds' Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Article 71 of the Civil Society Organization Act of Bhutan, which outlaws raising funds for activities “in contravention of the laws of the country” and without prior permission

9 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Last court decision: On 10th September 2014, the Court of Dorokha, Samtse District, sentenced Tandin Wangyal to more than four years in prison. Date of release: He was released on 19th January 2015, after paying a fine of 100.000 Ngultrum (about US $1,600).

CHINA

The US Congressional-Executive Commission on China Political Prisoners Database (PPD) The Database has a section about FORB prisoners which is accessible at http://www.cecc.gov/sites/chinacommission.house.gov/files/CECC%20Pris%20List_201510 01_1327.pdf The selected cases include: detentions, suspended sentences, house arrest, sentences on bail. --As of October 1, 2015, the PPD contained information on a total of 8,057 cases of political or religious imprisonment in China. Of those, 1,327 are cases of political and religious prisoners currently known or believed to be detained or imprisoned, and 6,730 are cases of prisoners who are known or believed to have been released, or executed, who died while imprisoned or soon after release, or who escaped. --The CECC notes that there are considerably more than 1,327 cases of current political and religious imprisonment in China. The CECC works on an ongoing basis to add cases of political and religious imprisonment to the PPD. --Please access prisoner records in the PPD at ppdcecc.gov for additional case information, including hyperlinks to news media and advocacy group reports, and images of prisoners Tibetan Buddhists Documented imprisoned to date - 3,878 (+21 non-Tibetan Buddhists)

Uighur Muslims

Documented imprisoned to date -146 (+10 not Uighur Muslims)

Christian Protestants Documented imprisoned to date – 455 (since 1989)

Catholics Documented imprisoned/under house arrest to date – 100

Other Christians Documented to date – 10

10 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Falun Gong Documented imprisoned to date – 1413

Other Organized Beliefs (banned ‘cults) Eastern Lightning/ full Scope Church/ Mentu Hui/ Guanyin Famin/ Yi Guan Dao/-- 70

Human Rights Without Frontiers documented cases Protestants

Collective arrests

Shen Zhenguo, Li Jianghua, Pastor Li Jia’en, Ms. Li Jiangtao, and Pastor Liang Jing

Date and place of arrest: 13th October 2015, in Luoyang, Henan Province Charges: Using a cult organization to undermine law enforcement Place of detention: Luoyang Detention Center Last court decision: Sentenced to 15-day administrative detention Other information: They were detained after over 30 authorities from various government security organizations raided a five-day Bible training session with over 70 church leaders from Henan and Shanxi being held at the 71st Street Christian Church. The authorities declared the meeting an illegal religious gathering and issued a formal notice banning further meetings of the church.

Zeng Miao, Huang Danyi, Guan Shanyue, and Sun Huibo

Date and place of arrest: 25th October 2015, in Haidian District, Beijing Charges: Disturbing public order Last court decision: Sentenced to 10 days administrative detention Other information: The four members of Shouwang Church were detained after meeting in a park for outdoor worship services.

Pastor XU Yonghai and 11 other Protestants

Date and place of arrest: 24th January 2014, in Tongzhou, Beijing Charges: Participation in demonstrations and illegal assembly Statement of defendants: They gathered to study the Bible at the home of Pastor Xu Yonghai’s house. Place of detention: Beijing Municipal First Detention Centre Duration of detention: Pastor Xu and 11 others were detained for at least three weeks. Pastor Xu has been under surveillance for several years in connection with pro-democracy activities and supporting unregistered groups, and was previously sentenced for the same reasons. Lu Dongli, Zhang Haiyan and Yu Yanhua remain in custody.

11 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Pastors CHENG Hongpen and ZHAO Weiliang

Date and place of arrest: 25th June 2014, Cao County, Shandong Charges: Using a cult to undermine law enforcement Last court decision: On 15th June 2015, Cheng was sentenced to three years in prison; Zhao was sentenced to four years in prison. Other information: Cheng and Zhao were detained with 22 others after gathering to play hymns together in a factory owned by one of the church members. Some members were released immediately, while 10 more were released on bail 23rd June 2015. Zhao was determined in court to be an organizer of the Total Scope Church, or the Born Again Movement, which had been labeled a ‘cult’ and outlawed by the Chinese government. Cheng was found to be an active participant in the same.

DAI Wanying, TAO Wenju, REN Yuxing and his wife

Date and place of arrest: 4th March 2015, in Wujiaqu, Xinjiang Charges: Participation in an illegal underground religious activity Last court decision: Sentenced to twelve days in administrative detention. Date of release: 16th March 2015 Other information: Dai Wanying and Tao Wenju organized a church gathering at Dai’s home in Wujiaqu for 2nd - 4th March 2015, at which some 90 Christians gathered. Police raided the meeting on the final day and detained four church members.

WANG Xianyun, WANG Zhen, WANG Yunxian, ZHOU Aiping, ZHOU Jian, WEI Wenhai, CHENG Congping and JIAN Liyou

Date and place of arrest: 26th August - 9th September 2015, in Wenzhou Other information: Arrests were made over a period of two weeks in connection to the demolition of crosses at the Shangzhou Church in Wenzhou by government authorities. Six others were detained in connection to the cross removal, as well as prominent human rights lawyer Zhang Kai and his assistants Liu Peng and Fang Xiangui. Wang, Zhou Aiping, Zhang and his assistants have since reportedly been placed under “residential surveillance in a designated location,” along with at least 15 other Christians in China’s Zhejiang province during September - October 2015. Wang Yunxian, Zhou Jian, and the legal assistants of Zhang Kai were released from detention 11th December 2015.

8 members of the Daguan House Church

Date and place of arrest: 29th June 2015, Daguan, Qianxi County, Gizhou Province Charges: Meeting illegally and organizing cult activities Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Article 300 of the Criminal Code.

12 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Place of detention: Daguan, Guizhou Province. Kang Chengju, Kang Chenglin, and Xu Guoqing were being held in Zhijin County; Dai Xiaoqiang, Zhou Xunmin, and Huang Huaxin in Qianxi County; Tang Honggui and Xu Junfen in Dafung County.

12 members of the Daguan House Church

Date and place of arrest: 24th May 2015, Daguan, Gizhou Province Place of detention: Quianxi County Public Security Bureau and detention center Date of release: Xu Guoyan was released on 24th June 2015; Xu Guoying and Xu Guoquiong were detained twice for a total of 25 days and released. The three sisters were subsequently detained for 15 days in mid-October 2015, for “[violating] the public security administrative punishment law.” Wang Yanggui, Fu Hanguo, Shi Taiqun, Wei Qing were each held for periods ranging from seven to 15 days before their release. Other information: On 24th May 2015, the authorities raided the Sunday services of the Daguan Church in the home of Xu Guoqing and Zhou Xunmi, taking some 30 people into custody. Most people were released, but twelve were administratively detained following the raid. Five members were officially arrested on 1st September 2015 and remain in custody.

REN Demei and ZHAO Qi

Place of residence: Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Date and place of arrest: 14th January 2015 Charges: Engaging in illegal religious activity to disturb public order Statement of the defendants: They were singing hymns in a private home. First court decision: Ren Demei was sentenced to five days in detention; Zhao Qi to seven Other information: On 14th January 2015, Zhao Qi led a group of Christians in singing hymns in the home of Ren Demei. The two were detained by local police who arrived and broke into the home. On 20th April 2015, the defendants brought suit against the public security bureau for their detention.

GONG Shengliang, HU Yongand, XU Fuming (Evangelical South China Church)

Charges: Belonging to a forbidden cult Statement of the defendants: They are leaders of the unregistered South China Church. First court decision: In December 2001, they were sentenced to death for “using a cult to undermine enforcement of the law.” Last court decision: In September 2002, a retrial sentenced Gong Shengliang, Xu Fuming and Hu Yong to life imprisonment. Other information: In 2013, Pastor Shengliang's daughter in an open letter to Chinese President Xi Jingping asked for his help. According to her, her father had not received medical treatment over the past ten years. His condition is now life-threatening. A heart attack at the end of 2012 left him unable to walk or speak. His daughter is asking for his release to receive urgent medical treatment.

13 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016

CUI Jiaxing and YANG Rongli (Linfen Church)

Place of residence: Linfen City Date of arrest: 13th September 2009 Charges: Illegally occupying farmland and disturbing transportation order Statement of the defendants: They were defending their church building from destruction by the authorities on 13th September 2009 (Fushan Church in Linfen City, Shanxi Province). Place of detention: Yang Rongli is in Taiyuan Detention Centre, the Cui Jiaxing at Yicheng County Detention Centre. Last court decision: On 25th November 2009, Yang Rongli was sentenced to seven years in jail and fined 30,000 Yuan; and Cui to five years and a half with a 50,000 Yuan fine. In 2010, an appeal was rejected by the Linfen courts.

LUO Nannan and Zhang Hong’En

Place of residence: Huocheng County Date and place of arrest: 11th April 2015, Qingshuihe Charges: Using religion to disturb social order Last court decision: Sentenced to 11 days in administrative detention. Other information: Luo and Zhang were holding a Sunday school class for four children from Christian families in the home of another Christian when heavily-armed police arrived in three vehicles and accused them of proselytizing to minors. They were extra-judicially sentenced by police to eleven days in administrative detention, a decision later upheld in court despite the defendants’ argument that procedures taken by police were in violation of the law, which was misapplied, and enforcement was inappropriate.

ZHU Zhanmei and 11 other Protestants

Date and place of arrest: 15th March 2015, Suqian, Siyang County Jiansu Charges: Belonging to a forbidden cult and organizing cult activities to disturb social order Final court decision: Sentences ranged from 5 to 12 days of administrative detention and meal fees. Date of release: April 2015

Individual cases (Protestants)

REN Lacheng

Place of residence: Beijing Date and place of arrest: 17th June 2013, Taiyuan, Shanxi province Charges: Illegally operating a business

14 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Statement of the defendant: He was helping open a Christian bookstore. First court decision: On 17th June 2013, Xiaodian district court of Taiyuan sentenced him to two years.

CAO Xia

Date of birth: 15th February 1961 Place of residence: Daying Village, Rendian Town, Ye County, Henan Province Date and place of arrest: 14th April 2012 Charges: Organising a cult to undermine law enforcement Statement of the defendant: She was attending a religious meeting in her home. Last court decision: Three and a half years in prison Place of detention: Pingdingshan Detention Centre

CHENG Chaohua

Date and place of arrest: 29th August 2015, Wenzhou (Zhejiang) First court decision: Sentenced to eight days in administrative detention. Last court decision: Sentence commuted to criminal detention and extended indefinitely. Date of release: 11th December 2015 Other information: Cheng Chaohua was recently ordained teaching pastor of China Christian Evangelic Mission. He is a coworker of Pastor Yan Xiaojie, who was detained the day before Cheng for forwarding prayer messages over WeChat.

GONG Bangkun (Evangelical South China Church)

Charges: Belonging to a forbidden cult Statement of the defendants: He is the leader of the unregistered South China Church First court decision: Sentenced to death for “using a cult to undermine enforcement of the law” in December 2001. Last court decision: In September 2002, Gong Bangkun was given a 15-year prison term. Other information: Bankun is the founder of China’s biggest network of Evangelical house churches. Place of detention: Jingzhou Prison Hubei No. 3

HAN Hai

Date of birth: 16th April 1953 Place of residence: Yeyi Town, Ye County, Henan Province Date and place of arrest: 14th April 2012 Charges: Organising a cult to undermine law enforcement Statement of the defendant: He was attending a religious meeting. Last court decision: Sentenced to seven and a half years in prison.

15 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Place of detention: Ye County Detention Centre Other information: Previously, he was administratively detained twice, and also sentenced to imprisonment in a labour camp for three years.

HUANG Mingfei

Age: 40 years Place of residence: Nanxiong City, Guangdong Province Date and place of arrest: 26th September 2013 Charges: Organizing and using a religious cult to break laws Article of the criminal/ civil/ administrative code: Article 300 Last court decision: 5 years in prison Place of detention: Guangdong Women’s Prison, Beijiang Other information: According to Dui Hai digest, Huang Mingfei was apprehended for hosting religious gatherings of the Church of the Almighty God at her home for 39 people on 10 or more occasions.

HUANG Xiaoyuan

Date and place of arrest: 6th September 2015, Wenzhou Charges: Gathering a crowd to disturb public order Last court decision: Unknown Date of release: 11th December 2015 Other information: Huang is a deacon in Shangzhou Church in the Tengquia religious district. He was arrested after the cross of Shangzhou Church, which had been taken down by authorities, was re-erected.

Pastor HUANG Yizi

Place of residence: Wenzhou Date and place of arrest: 3rd August 2014, Wenzhou Charges: Gathering a crowd to disturb public order Statement of defendant: He helped Christians at the Salvation Church defend their cross from removal by the authorities on 21st July 2014. Last court decision: On 24th March 2015, he was sentenced to one year in prison. Other info: Huang Yizi is the pastor of Fengwo Church in Pingyang County, Wenzhou, and head of a group known as the China Christian Evangelical Mission. Released from prison on 1st August 2015, he was subsequently taken back into custody on 12th September for charges of endangering national security. He has since reportedly been placed under “residential surveillance in a designated location,” along with at least 19 other Christians in China’s Zhejiang province during September-October 2015.

HU Linpo

16 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Date of birth: 27th November 1962 Place of residence: Qianwang Village, Xiantai Town, Ye County, Henan Province Date and place of arrest: 14th April 2012 Charges: Organising a cult to undermine law enforcement Statement of the defendant: He was attending a religious meeting. Last court decision: Sentenced to seven years in prison. Place of detention: Ye County Detention Centre Other information: Hu is from Singapore and is the house church's main preacher. Hu was previously detained for 30 days in 1989.

JI Qingcou

Date and place of arrest: Wenzhou Charges: Gathering a crowd to disrupt public order and obstructing official business Statement of the defendant: He was defending his church (Yazhong Church in Taishun County) against the implementation of the 15 August 2014 order of Yayang town Party secretary to remove the cross. Date of release: On 6th March 2015, after 62 days of detention.

LAI Yiwa

Charges: Printing 1,600 copies of Almighty God (also known as Real God or Eastern Lightning) publications in his home and distributing them to others Statement of the defendant: He printed copies of Almighty God in his home. Last court decision: April 2013, seven years in prison Place of detention: Beijing Prison

LI Dan

Date of birth: 10th August 1988 Place of residence: 41, Row 6, Chaohua Street, Zhengmei Group, Zhengzhou, Henan Date and place of arrest: 14th April 2012 Charges: Organising a cult to undermine law enforcement Statement of the defendant: She attended a religious meeting. Last court decision: Sentenced to seven and a half years in prison. Place of detention: Pingdingshan Detention Centre Other information: She was involved in copying CDs.

Pastor LI Ming

Date and place of arrest: 20th January 2015, Langzhong Charges: Illegal assembly Statement of the defendant: He was participating in a religious meeting held by Langzhong House Church in Langzhong, Nanchong at a private place called the Bamboo Mountain Villa

17 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Last court decision: Sentenced to 15 days administrative detention. Date of release: 4th February 2015

Pastor LI Mingbo

Date and place of arrest: 20th January 2015, Langzhong Charges: Illegal assembly Statement of the defendant: He was participating in a religious meeting held by Langzhong House Church in Langzhong, Nanchong at a private place called the Bamboo Mountain Villa. Place of detention: Shaxi Township Police Station in Langzhong Last court decision: Sentenced to 10 days administrative detention. Date of release: 30th January 2015 Other infomation: Others arrested on the same occasion and held at the Shaxi Township Police Station in Langzhong include Pastor Liu Yong, a Langzhong Church elder named Wang, Pastor Sun and his wife, Ma Ying, two missionaries from Mianyang, and three Langzhong Church members: Zhou Chunyan, Chen Yihui, and Liang Renyan.

LIANG Renyan

Date and place of arrest: 20th January 2015, Langzhong Charges: Illegal assembly Statement of the defendant: He was participating in a religious meeting held by Langzhong House Church in Langzhong, Nanchong at a private place called the Bamboo Mountain Villa. Place of detention: Shaxi Township Police Station in Langzhong Last court decision: Sentenced to 10 days administrative detention. Date of release: 30th January 2015

Pastor LIU Yong (house church in Chengdu)

Date and place of arrest: 20th January 2015, Langzhong Charges: Illegal assembly Statement of the defendant: He was participating in a religious meeting held by Langzhong House Church in Langzhong, Nanchong at a private place called the Bamboo Mountain Villa. Place of detention: Shaxi Township Police Station in Langzhong Last court decision: Sentenced to 10 days administrative detention. Date of release: 30th January 2015

LUO Guangwu

Date and place of arrest: 24th June 2015, Miaogao, Sichuan Province Charges: Organizing a religious service in a house church

18 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Statement of the defendant: He was participating in a religious meeting held by Langzhong House Church Last court decision: Sentenced to 10 days in administrative detention. Place of detention: Hexi Police Station Other information: Luo was detained while walking home from the Sunday services of the Langzhong House Church in the Miaogao township.

Pastor LU Jiangyang (Qiatou Church)

Date and place of arrest: 20th September 2015, Anhui Charges: Spreading cult teachings Statement of the defendant: He was organizing Christian summer camps for minors. Court decision: Sentenced to 15 days in administrative detention Other information: According to Lu’s wife, he was also detained for the summer camp, which took place on July 28 2015, when more than 100 officers from the religious affairs bureau, public security bureau and police station in the city of Mingguang, a division of Chuzhou, raided the summer camp, which was attended by 20 elementary and secondary school students.

MA Ying

Date and place of arrest: 20th January 2015, Langzhong Charges: Illegal assembly Statement of the defendant: She was participating in a religious meeting held by Langzhong House Church in Langzhong, Nanchong at a private place called the Bamboo Mountain Villa. Place of detention: Shaxi Township Police Station in Langzhong Last court decision: Sentenced to 10 days administrative detention. Date of release: 30th January 2015 Other Information: Wife of Pastor SUN

OU Jinsi

Date and place of arrest: Wenzhou Charges: Gathering a crowd to disrupt public order and obstructing official business Statement of the defendant: He was defending his church (Yazhong Church in Taishun County) against the implementation of the 15 August 2014 order of Yayang town Party secretary to remove the cross. Date of release: On 6th March 2015, he was released after 136 days of detention.

Pastor SUN

Date and place of arrest: 20th January 2015, Langzhong Charges: Illegal assembly

19 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Statement of the defendant: He was participating in a religious meeting held by Langzhong House Church in Langzhong, Nanchong at a private place called the Bamboo Mountain Villa. Place of detention: Shaxi Township Police Station in Langzhong Last court decision: Sentenced to 10 days administrative detention. Date of release: 30th January 2015

WANG (forename not mentioned)

Date and place of arrest: 20th January 2015, Langzhong Charges: Illegal assembly Statement of the defendant: He was participating in a religious meeting held by Langzhong House Church in Langzhong, Nanchong at a private place called the Bamboo Mountain Villa. Place of detention: Shaxi Township Police Station in Langzhong Last court decision: Sentenced to ten days administrative detention. Date of release: 30th January 2015 Other information: He is a Langzhong Church elder.

WANG En

Date of birth: 28th October 1988 Place of residence: Xiali Town, Ye County, Henan Province Date and place of arrest: 14th April 2012 Charges: Organising a cult to undermine law enforcement Statement of the defendant: He was attending a religious meeting. Last court decision: Three years in prison Place of detention: Ye County Detention Centre

Pastor YAN Hua

Date and place of arrest: 9 December 2015, Guizhou Province Other information: Yan is the pastor of the Huoshi Chuch. Further details regarding his criminal detention are currently unknown

YAN Shubing

Date and place of arrest: 23rd May 2014, Shandong Charges: Using a cult organization to undermine law enforcement Statement of the defendant: He owns books distributed by the Local Church movement. First court decision: Sentenced to four years in prison. Last court decision: The Linyi Municipal Intermediate People’s Court upheld the original verdict. Place of detention: Linyi Municipal Detention Centre

20 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Other information: The Local Church is a movement with a shared basis in literature and teachings with the Shouters, both of which are recognized as cults by the Chinese government. In appeal of his original sentence, Yan denied his membership in the group, and reiterated his cooperation with law enforcement and willing confession that the impact of his actions has not damaged society in any meaningful way.

YAN Xiaojie

Date and place of arrest: 26th August 2015 Charges: Gathering a mob to disturb public order Article of the criminal/ civil/ administrative code: Article 80 of Criminal Procedure Law First court decision: Sentenced to 8 days in administrative detention Last court decision: On 3rd September 2015, his sentence was commuted to criminal detention. Place of detention: Wenzhou Municipal Detention Centre Other information: Yan was apprehended for forwarding seven text messages on the Chinese messaging app WeChat requesting the prayer of fellow Christians concerning government forced cross removals from churches in Zheijiang. He was scheduled for release on 4th September, before criminal charges were raised against him. Yan has since reportedly been placed under “residential surveillance in a designated location,” along with at least 19 other Christians in China’s Zhejiang province during September-October 2015. Residencial surveillance is a more severe form of holding than criminal detention, and is also known as holding in “black jails.” Justification for residential surveillance has been on “suspicion of stealing, spying, buying and illegally providing state secrets and intelligence.” Locations are undisclosed and individuals are unable to speak with family or legal representation, as the charges are a matter of national security.

YANG Lianbin

Date of birth: 19th November 1989 Place of Residence: Zhengzhou Date and place of arrest: 14th April 2012 Charges: Organising a cult to undermine law enforcement Statement of the defendant: He was attending a religious meeting Last court decision: Three years in prison Place of detention: Ye County Detention Centre

YIMITI Alimujiang (Christian ethnic Uyghur)

Date of birth: 10th June 1973 Place of residence: Tianshan District, Urumqi, Xinjiang Date of arrest: On 12th January 2008, he was arrested and detained; On 20th February 2008, he was formally arrested.

21 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Charges: Suspicion of inciting subversion of state power, leaking state secrets. Since 2002 engaging in activities of illegal religious infiltration, including preaching Christianity among the people of Uyghur ethnicity, distributing religious materials and converting to Christianity. Statement of the defendant: He worked for a British-owned company (Jirehouse) and led a house church ministry in Kashgar with his wife. Place of detention: On 12th April 2010, he was transferred to No. 3 Prison of Xinjiang in Urumqi. First court decision: On 6th August 2009, Kashi District Intermediate Court secretly sentenced Yimiti to 15 years in prison for “illegally providing state secrets to foreign nationals.” Final court decision: February 2011, the Higher Court of Xinjiang upheld the original sentence of 15 years. Other information: On 12th September 2008, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention ruled in its No. 28 document that Alimujiang’s arrest and detention had been arbitrary.

Pastor ZHANG Shaojie

Age: 49 years Date and place of arrest: 16-17th November 2013, Nanle County Christian Church (a church registered with the “Three-Self Patriotic Movement”), Henan province Charges: Fraud and disruption of public order Statement of the defendant: He refused to surrender church property to the authorities. Last court decision: 12 years in prison, fined 100,000 RMB (approximately £9,400) Place of detention: Nanle County Detention Centre

ZHANG Chongzhu

Date and place of arrest: 18th September 2015, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Charges: Gathering, stealing, buying, and illegally providing state secrets and espionage Other information: Zhang Chongzhu is the pastor of Pingyang Church. He was taken into custody while returning home from Shanghai amid the ongoing provincial government’s demolition program of visible crosses on places of worship in Wenzhou. Pastor Zhang has previously called on Christians throughout the world to protest cross demolition. He has since reportedly been placed under “residential surveillance in a designated location,” along with at least 19 other Christians in China’s Zhejiang province during September-October 2015.

ZHANG Cuijuan

Place of residence: Nanle County, Henan Province Date and place of arrest: November 2013, Nanle County, Henan province

22 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Charges: Gathering a crowd to disrupt public order Last court decision: One and a half years in prison Place of detention: Nanle County Detention Centre Date of release: 31st May 2015 Other information: Sister of Pastor Zhang Shaojie, taken into custody with 20 other members of the Nanle County Christian Church upon petitioning for information regarding her brother.

ZHANG Mian

Date of birth: 13th May 1975 Place of residence: Daying Village, Rendian Town, Ye County, Henan Province Date and place of arrest: 14th April 2012 Charges: Organising a cult to undermine law enforcement Statement of the defendant: She was attending a religious meeting. Last court decision: Four years in prison Place of detention: Pingdingshan Detention Centre Other information: She owns the residence where the group meets.

ZHANG Zhi

Place of residence: Wenzhou, Zheijang Date and place of arrest: 12th September 2015 Charges: Gathering, stealing, buying, and illegally providing state secrets and espionage, endangering national security Last court decision: Sentenced to five days in detention. Place of detention: Wenzhou Detention Center Other information: Zhang Zhi is a deacon in Xianquiao Church in Pingyang County. He had been released from prison after a year-long sentence on 1st August 2015. Upon completion of his five-day sentence, he was transferred to the Wenzhou Detention Center. He has since reportedly been placed under “residential surveillance in a designated location,” along with at least 19 other Christians in China’s Zhejiang province during September- October 2015.

ZHAO Lizhong

Date and place of arrest: 9th May 2015, Pingyuan Other information: Zhao Lizhong was detained after defending the cross of Pingyuan Church from demolition.

ZHOU Chunyan

Date and place of arrest: 20th January 2015, Langzhong

23 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Charges: Illegal assembly Statement of the defendant: They were participating in a religious meeting held by Langzhong House Church in Langzhong, Nanchong at a private place called the Bamboo Mountain Villa. Place of detention: Shaxi Township Police Station in Langzhong Last court decision: Sentenced to 10 days administrative detention. Date of release: 30th January 2015

Catholics

Collective arrests

Fr. GAO Jiangping and another priest

Place of residence: Diocese of Suyian, Inner Mongolia Date of arrest: 31st January 2012 Charges: The Diocese of Suiyuan does not exist according to the Chinese government, as it is part of the illegal underground Catholic Church. Statement of the defendants: Incompatibility between the allegiance to the regime and his loyalty to the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope. Other information: They have been missing since their arrest.

TIAN Dalong and another priest

Age: In their 40’s Place of residence: Qinyuan City, Hebei Province Date and place of arrest: Early October 2013 Statement of the defendants: They organised catechism classes for adults in Qinyuan county, Baoding municipality, Hebei province. Place of detention: Police barracks in Baoding Other information: They have been missing since their arrest.

Individual cases

Fr. CUI Tai, underground priest of the diocese of Xuanhua (Hebei)

Date and place of arrest: He was taken away by staff of the Religious Affairs Bureau on 22nd June 2011. Other information: Fr. Cui disappeared while in police custody on 22nd June 2011 after members of the government’s Religious Affairs Bureau dragged him away. Since that time there has been no information on his whereabouts.

Msg. Julius JIA Zhiguo, bishop of Zhengding (Hebei)

24 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Age: 80 years Date and place of arrest: 12th May 2015 Date of release: 24th May 2015 Other information: Msg. Jia was detained for 12 days without any official charges. According to an anonymous local source, he ordained several priests in April 2015 and was warned not to participate in any pilgrimages in May 2015. Msg. Jia, as bishop in the government-unrecognized church, and prior to his service as such has been detained countless times, for refusing to join the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association.

Fr. LIU Honggen, underground priest of the diocese of Baoding (Hebei)

Date and place of arrest: 27th December 2006 Charges: He refused to join the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association. Other information: Fr. Liu was released from the Prison of Qingyuan in August 2015, after conviction without trial and eight years in prison. He was reportedly arrested again later, and has not been seen since.

Thaddeus MA Daqin (Bishop of Shanghai)

Charges: Resignation from the state-controlled Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association (CCPA) Statement of the defendant: Incompatibility between allegiance to the regime and his loyalty to the Roman Catholic Church and the CCPA. Place of detention: Since 7th July 2012, he has been under house arrest at the Sheshan Regional Seminary in a Shanghai suburb. Other information: Joseph Liu Yuanlong, a vice chair of the CCPA, confirmed on 12th December 2012 that the government-sanctioned Catholic bishops’ conference in China had revoked the appointment of Thaddeus Ma Daqin as auxiliary bishop of Shanghai, saying he violated the rules for Episcopal ordinations. A statement released by the Vatican on 13th December 2012 stated that even legitimately established and Vatican-recognized bishops’ conferences “do not have the power to name or approve a bishop, to revoke his mandate or to impose sanctions on him.”

Msgr. Cosma SHI Enxiang, underground bishop of Yixian (Hebei)

Date of birth: 1932 Date and place of arrest: 13th April 2001 in Beijing Other information: Msgr. Shi Enxiang has intermittently suffered long periods in prison and house arrest from 1957 until 1980. On 30th January 2015, a city employee commented to family members of Msgr. Cosma’s death: news that quickly spread throughout the community, but authorities later denied any knowledge regarding as much.

Fr. SONG Wanjun

25 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Age: 39 years Place of residence: Qiaodong District, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province Date and place of arrest: 7th August 2013 in Qiaodong District, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province Last court decision: 3 years Other information: Fr. Song had evaded several arrests in the past from the Chinese Public Security until his current arrest.

Msgr. WU Qinjing, official bishop of the diocese of Zhouzhi (Shaanxi)

Date and place of arrest: November 2007 Charges: He refused to join the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association. Date of release: 10th July 2015 Other information: Since November 2007 Msgr. Wu has been kept under house arrest in the minor seminary in Xian with limits on his activities. Bishop Wu was secretly ordained as a bishop of the official diocese of Zhouzhi, without the permission of the local Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association. For this reason, since his ordination was made public in 2006, the government restricted his activities, kidnapped him and forced him to memorize the "Regulations on Religious Affairs." Previously forbidden to carry the Episcopal insignia or carry out any activities as a bishop, Msgr. Wu was approved by the Chinese government and the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association on 10th July 2015, and has since been formally installed as bishop of Zhouzhi.

Fr. ZHANG Jianlin, underground priest of the diocese of Xuanhua (Hebei)

Date and place of arrest: He was taken away by the Religious Affairs Bureau on 22nd June 2011. Other information: In July 2009, Fr. Zhang was taken by police and placed under house arrest in a courtyard attached to the building of a government office. He was given permission to receive visitors but was subjected to heavy physical and psychological tactics to force him to support the Council of Chinese Bishops and to join the Catholic Patriotic Association. After seven months of detention, he was released but closely monitored and forbidden to practice his ministry.

Msgr. James Su ZHIMIN, underground bishop of Baoding (Hebei)

Date of birth: 1932 Place of residence: Baoding, Hebei Province Date of arrest: 8th October 1997 Charges: Never revealed Other information: According to AsiaNews, Msgr. Zhimin remains in police custody. Zhimin has been considered for many years a "counter-revolutionary," since he has refused since the 1950s to join the Catholic Patriotic Association. In all, he has already spent 40

26 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 years in captivity. He was last seen by his relatives in 2003, in a hospital surrounded by police.

Tibetan Buddhists

China has arrested and imprisoned innumerable Buddhists belonging to the Tibetan ethnic group, including many monks, for their religious and/or other non-violent protest activities. HRWF Int’l has documented a limited number of cases related to the exercise of freedom of religion1 as detailed information about the victims is usually not available.

Collective arrests

Jampa CHOEPHEL, Choedar DARGYE and Gedun THOGPHEL

Place of residence: Jampa, Choedar and Gedun are monks from Khangmar monastery. Date and place of arrest: January 2003 in Marthang (Hongyuan), Sichuan Statement of the defendants: They possessed photos of the Dalai Lama, Panchen Lama, amd a painting of the Tibetan flag, and conducted prayers for the Dalai Lama while he was ill. Last court decision: On 29th August 2003, Jampa, Choedar and Gedun were sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Gendun Choekyi NYIMA and his parents

Date of birth: 25th April 1989 Place of residence: Lhari County, Tibet Date of arrest: 17th May 1995, Gendun Choekyi Nyima and his parents disappeared Charges: Usurping the title of reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama which was granted to him by the Dalai Lama, an “illegal and invalid” decision. Statement of the defendants: Gendun Choekyi Nyima was named by the Dalai Lama as the 11th incarnation of the Panchen Lama of Tibet. Other information: He was kidnapped by Chinese authorities three days after he was announced to be the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama, and has not been seen in public since 17th May 1995. Another Panchen Lama has been chosen by the Chinese government, but he has not been approved by the Buddhist community faithful to the Dalai Lama. In September 2015, a senior Chinese official said that he is “living a normal life,” and does not want to be disturbed.

1 Others have been arrested and sentenced to long prison terms or to death for their involvement in political non- violent or violent activities, according to the Chinese authorities, or as human rights defenders but the lack of access to reliable information did not allow HRWF Int’l to check the nature of their activities and the veracity of the official accusations. It was also difficult to identify cases in which the victims were imprisoned for purely exercising their freedom of religion. A margin of error is not excluded.

27 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016

Dolkar LHAMO and Nyima LHAMO Tenzin Delek Rinpoche’s sister, and her daughter

Date and place of arrest: 17th July 2015 Date of release: 31st July 2015 Other information: They had been arbitrarily arrested following the death and cremation of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche in prison (See his case below). Dolkar Lhamo had submitted a letter challenging the Chinese authorities on their failure to issue a death certificate and a denied request to delay the Rinpoche’s cremation - a request normally permitted under Chinese law.

Individual cases

Runggye ADAK

Place of residence: Nomad from Lithang in eastern Tibet Date and place of arrest: 1st August 2007, Lithang Horse Racing Festival in Tibet Charges: Provocation to subvert state power Statement of the defendants: He addressed a crowd during a horse racing festival in Lithang saying: “If we cannot invite the Dalai Lama home, we will not have freedom of religion and happiness in Tibet,” and called for the release of the Panchen Lama and Tenzin Delek Rinpoche. Last court decision: On 20th November 2007, he was sentenced to eight years in prison. Date of release: 31st July 2015

BHUMO

Date of arrest: 14th May 2008 in Ganzi (Kardze) county, Ganzi TAP, Sichuan province Statement of the defendant: They protested the demands that nuns of Pangri Nunnery denounce the Dalai Lama. Last court decision: Nine years in detention Other information: On 14th May 2008, more than 80 nuns in Ganzi held a demonstration against an official campaign to impose "patriotic re-education" on their convents in which they were required to denounce the Dalai Lama.

Monlam KALSANG

Place of residence: Labrang Monastery, Amdo Labrang County, north-eastern Tibet Date of arrest: 5th May 2015, Labrang, Amdo Labrang County

28 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Other information: According to local sources, security forces in plainclothes came to the Labrang monastery for Monlam, searched his phone and room, handcuffed him, and took him away. There has been no information about Monlam’s condition or whereabouts. Earlier that day, three other monks from the Labrang monastery were also arrested whose current status remains unknown.

Tenzin DELEK (Rinpoche)

Date of birth: 1949 Date and place of arrest: 7th April 2002, Yajiang County, Garze Prefecture Charges: Mastermind behind the bombing in Tianfu Square in Chengdu, “suspicion of inciting secession,” “perpetrating the bombing in Chengdu,” and “illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.” First court decision: On 2nd December 2002, the Intermediate People’s Court of Garze sentenced him to death with two years of execution adjournment. Last court decision: In 2005, his sentence commuted to life imprisonment. Other information: In 1983, he was designated as the reincarnation of Adengpengcuo, the Gexi Lama of Aotuo Temple of Yajiang County. He is a supporter of the Dalai Lama and is a monk of high reputation in the Tibetan region and the exiled Tibetan community in India. In December 2009, over 30,000 Tibetans signed and finger printed a petition calling on the central government to retry his case. Deceased in prison: On the 12th July 2015, he died of health complications in prison. He was cremated in prison despite family requests for the 15-day preservation of his body as extols Tibetan Budddhist tradition.

Thardhod GYALTSEN

Date of arrest: December 2013 Statement of the defendant: He was in possession of banned images and teachings of the Dalai Lama. Last court decision: Sentenced to 18 years in prison. Place of detention: Most likely Chushul prison Other information: Thardhod Gyaltsen was well-known for promoting Tibetan culture and Buddhism. His father was one of the thousands of Tibetans killed by China during the 1969 Driru County protests.

Lobsang JAMYANG

Age: 15 years Date and place of arrest: On 5th October 2015, he was arrested at Kirti monastery in Ngaba, after staging a solo protest there on 23 September. Charges: He walked through the town shouting "Freedom in Tibet!" and "Invite his Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet!" Place of detention: Local police custody

29 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016

Sonam LHASTO

Date of arrest: 14th May 2008 in Ganzi (Kardze) county, Ganzi TAP, Sichuan province Statement of the defendant: He protested against the demands that nuns of Pangri Nunnery denounce the Dalai Lama. Last court decision: 10 years in detention (in 2008 or 2009) Place of detention: Mianyang Prison Other information: On 14th May 2008, more than 80 nuns in Ganzi held a demonstration against an official campaign to impose "patriotic re-education" on their convents, in which they were required to denounce the Dalai Lama.

Tenzin LHUNDRUP

Date of arrest: May 2014 Last court decision: Sentenced to 12 years in prison. Other information: Tenzin Lhundrup is a well-respected senior Tibetan monk from Gom Gonsar Monastery in Driru County, Tibetan Autonomous Region. Known for his social service and promotion of Tibetan culture, he gave talks and Buddhist teachings, helped to arbitrate local disputes, and advocated vegetarianism.

Phurbu TSERING

Date of birth: 1957 Date of arrest: 18th May 2008 in Ganzi (Kardze) county, Ganzi TAP, Sichuan province Charges: Illegal possession of ammunition and embezzlement Statement of the defendant: He denies the charges. Last court decision: On 23rd December 2009, he was sentenced to 8 years and 6 months in prison. Place of detention: Meyang Prison, Sichuan Province Other information: Phurbu Tsering Rinpoche is the first reincarnated lama to be charged with a serious crime since Tenzin Delek Rinpoche (who died in prison after serving 13 years of 20 year sentence). He was heading the Pangri and Puruna Nunneries. He was arrested on 14th May 2008 during the nuns’ demonstration in Ganzi against an official campaign to impose "patriotic re-education" on their convents in which they were required to denounce the Dalai Lama.

Gendun TSULTRIM

Place of residence: Bindo Chuja Village Statement of the defendant: He led, with fellow monk Thupten Tsundue, a 200 strong prayer session in condolence for the self-immolation protester Wangchen Norbu in November 2012.

30 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Last court decision: Sentenced to three years in prison. Date of release: 19th July 2015 Other information: Both monks were sentenced to a period of three years in prison each, which came to an end of 2014 but for unknown reasons Gendun Tsultrim remained in prison after Thupten Tsundue’s release. (See his case hereafter)

Thupten TSUNDUE

Place of residence: Bindo Chuja Village Statement of the defendant: He led, with fellow monk Gendun Tsultrim, a 200 strong prayer session in condolence for the self-immolation protester Wangchen Norbu in November 2012. Last court decision: Sentenced to three years in prison. Date of release: 19th July 2015 Other information: Both monks were sentenced to a period of three years in prison each, which came to an end this year but for unknown reasons Gendun Tsultrim remained after his release. (See his case above)

For more details and more cases of arrests of Tibetan Buddhists, see http://freetibet.org/take- action/religious-political-prisoners

Muslims

Uyghurs (Sunni) Muslims

Numerous Muslims belonging to the Uyghur ethnic group in China have been arrested and imprisoned for their religious and/or other non-violent protest activities2. We have documented a limited number of cases related to the exercise of freedom of religion as detailed information about the victims is usually not available.

Abdujilil ABDUGHUPUR

Date of birth: 2nd July 1988 Place of residence: Yengiyer village, Gulja city Date and place of arrest: 14th April 2008, Gulja county Charges: Splitting the state Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Article 103 of the Criminal Law

2 Others have been arrested and sentenced to long prison terms or to death for their involvement in separatist non-violent or violent activities, according to the Chinese authorities, but the lack of access to reliable information did not allow HRWF Int’l to check the veracity of the accusations. It was also difficult to identify cases in which the victims were imprisoned for purely exercising their freedom of religion. A margin of error is not excluded.

31 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Statement of defendant: He was simply teaching Islam. Last court decision: 24th March 2009, 10 years in prison Place of detention: Ghulja county prison

Ablikim ABDUREHIM

Place of residence: Urumqi Date and place of arrest: 31st May 2006, Urumqi Charges: Instigating and engaging in secessionist activities Statement of defendant: His confession had been extorted under torture. He was arrested because he is the son of Rebiya Kadeer, a prominent activist. (See below) Last court decision: On 17th April 2007, he was sentenced to 9 years in prison and three years deprivation of political rights. Place of detention: Prison No. 4 in the Xinjiang capital Urumqi Date of release: 31st May 2015 Other info: He is the son of Rebiya Kadeer, a prominent Uyghur activist, whose family has been targeted by the authorities since she was detained as a prisoner of conscience in 1999. This intensified after she was released on medical parole on 17 March 2005 and left China for the USA. On 27 November 2006, the day after Rebiya Kadeer was elected president of the World Uyghur Congress (WUC), a court sentenced her two sons, arrested in 2006, which is considered an unacceptable persecution against Rebiya Kadeer’s family and a punishment for her human rights activism.

Abdulitip ABLIMIT

Date of birth: 1st July 1972 Place of residence: Arzu village, Gulja county Date and place of arrest: 5th June 2008, Gulja county Charges: Splitting the state Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Article 103 of the Criminal Law Statement of defendant: He was simply teaching Islam. Last court decision: 24th March 2009, 6 years in prison Place of detention: Gulja county prison

Mewlanjan AHMET

Date of birth: 10th March 1987 Place of residence: Hudiyeryuz village, Gulja county Date and place of arrest: 29th March 2008, Gulja county Charges: Splitting the state Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Article 103 of the Criminal Law Statement of defendant: He was simply teaching Islam. Last court decision: On 24th March 2009, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

32 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Place of detention: Lli prefecture prison

Seydehmet AWUT

Birthdate: 12th July 1971 Place of residence: Islamyuz township, Gulja county Date and place of arrest: 14th April 2008, Gulja county Charges: Splitting the state Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Article 103 of the Criminal Law Statement of defendant: He was simply teaching Islam. Last court decision: 24th March 2009, 10 years imprisonment Place of detention: Gulja county prison

Armetjan EMET

Birthdate: 18th April 1985 Place of residence: Arzu village, Golja county Date and place of arrest: 29th March 2008, Gulja county Charges: Splitting the state Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Article 103 of the Criminal Law Statement of defendant: He was simply teaching Islam. Last court decision: 24th March 2009, 15 years in prison Place of detention: Gulja county prison

Erkin EMET

Birthdate: 3rd March 1973 Place of residence: Arzu village, Gulja county Date and place of arrest: 14th April 2008, Gulja county Charges: Splitting the state Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Article 103 of the Criminal Law Statement of defendant: He was simply teaching Islam. Last court decision: 24th March 2009, 10 years imprisonment Place of detention: Gulja county prison

Dolkun ERKIN

Birthdate: 22nd February 1989 Place of residence: Kashgar Street, Gulja city Date and place of arrest: 16th April 2008, Gulja county Charges: Splitting the state Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Article 103 of the Criminal Law Statement of defendant: He was simply teaching Islam.

33 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Last court decision: On 24th March 2009, he was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. Place of detention: Lli prefecture prison

Sadike KU’ERBAN

Date of arrest: 2012 Charges: Involvement with illegal religious schools or religious instruction (illegal for not being registered under the state-controlled Chinese Islamic Patriotic Association). More specifically, Sadike Ku'erban was accused of “extremist religious thought and inciting others to wage a holy war.” Statement of the defendants: Sadike Ku’erban was running a network of home schools in four different parts of Xinjiang over 10 years that taught 86 students, including 16 under 14 years of age. First court decision: On 31st May 2012, he was sentenced to a prison term of 15 years in Kashgar.

Omerjan MEHMET

Birthdate: 15th November 1986 Place of residence: Kashgar Street, Gulja city Date and place of arrest: 7th May 2008, Gulja county Charges: Splitting the state Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Article 103 of the Criminal Law Statement of defendant: He was simply teaching Islam. Last court decision: On 24th March 2009, he was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. Place of detention: Lli prefecture prison

Mutelip ROZI

Date of birth: 7th March 1979 Place of residence: Karadong village, Gulja city Date and place of arrest: 16th April 2008, Gulja county Charges: Splitting the state Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Article 103 of the Criminal Law Statement of defendant: He was simply teaching Islam. Last court decision: On 24th March 2009, he was sentenced to 6 years imprisonment. Place of detention: Lli prefecture prison

Kurbanjan SEMET (Alias Qurbanjan Abdusemet)

Date of birth: 27th August 1985 Place of residence: Ghulja and Nelka

34 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Date and place of arrest: Between March-June 2008 Charges: Splitting the state Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Article 103 of the Criminal Law Last court decision: On 24th March 2009, he was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. Place of detention: Lli prefecture prison

UYGHUR (Unknown name)

Age: 38 years Place of residence: Kashgar, Xinjiang region Charges: Picking quarrels and making trouble Statement of the defendant: Refusing to shave off his beard Last court decision: Sentenced to six years in prison.

UYGHUR woman (Unknown name)

Place of residence: Kashgar, Xinjiang region Charges: Wearing a burqa Last court decision: Sentenced to two years in prison because she wrote a confession to local authorities. Other information: She is the wife of the 38-year-old Muslim who had been jailed for six years for refusing to shave off his beard.

Falun Gong

The Falung Gong movement was banned in 1999. The Minghui website3 monitors and documents the innumerable cases of arrests and imprisonment of their practitioners almost on a daily basis. See below a selection of such cases.

Name Date of Sentence Place of detention Date of arrest or arrest release Collective Arrests Chu Chunhua; Liu 1/9/15 15 days Guiying Gao Xianying; Luo 23/5/14 3 yrs. 6 Sichuan Lingrong months; 3 yrs.

3 http://en.minghui.org/cc/10

35 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Guo Zhenju, Li 7/14/14 6 yrs. 6 Liaoning Province Xuepin, Hong months; 5 Xiuyan, Zhang yrs; 6 yrs.; Xueyan; Wang ? Qingzhong, Zhao Xiuyan; Gao Hui; Li Yanrong Han Yonghua; Wang 1/9/15 Banyang Road Yuxiang Police Station Li Changqiu; Zhao 9/7/14 7 yrs. Sichuan Banghai (wife and husband) Li Guifang; Meng Fanli; Wang Yanxin; Shi Mengwen Liu Shouzhi; Li 31/8/15 Songlinglu Police Xingrong; Li Station Xianxin (family) Luo Zhenggui; 10/11/11 4 yrs. Leshan Wumaping Zhang Ziqin Prison Xie Qin; Zhou Shijie 15/9/13 3 yrs. 3 Qianzhugou months Reeducation (Zhou) Centre; Fushing Detention Centre Ye Baofu; Yang 4/5/12 6; 4; 4 yrs. Mingqing; Ye Mao Zhang Lingzhi; Zhu 2/9/15 15 days Nanhe Detention Jianhua Centre Zhou Chenghao; 12/9/12 4; 3 ½ yrs. Zhou Huijuan Zuo Xianfeng; Lu 1/9/15 Yilan County Huiwen Individual Cases

Bai Gendi 10/9/12 6 ½ yrs. Bai Yi -/3/15 3 ½ yrs. Ürümqi Chen Chao -/3/15 3 yrs. Shenyang Chen Guilan 3/3/13 7 yrs. Chen Shulan 17/3/13 4 yrs. Liu Village Police Station Chen Xiangren 1/9/12 5 yrs. Chen Xianmei -/3/15 3 ½ yrs. Kaifeng Chen Xinping -/3/15 3 yrs. Zhenjiang Chen Yinghua -/6/15 4 yrs. Hebei Province Chen Zhongxuan -/6/15 6 yrs. Huining County Cheng -/-/14 4 yrs. Handan Cheng Yongyue -/3/15 3 ½ yrs. Taiyuan Cui Jian’ai 29/8/15 Junan County Dai Sanlian 10/8/15 Changting Dao Min -/3/15 3 ½ yrs. Ermeishan Deng Liping -/9/15 Chongqing Dong Hanjie -/-/14 5 yrs. Daoding Dong Junhong -/-/14 3 yrs. Daoding Du Qingxiu 30/10/12 6 yrs. Fei Shuqin 29/3/13 13 yrs. Harbin 2 Detention Centre

36 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Feng Xiaoling 17/5/13 5 yrs. Liu Village Police Station Gao Chunlian -/-/14 5 yrs. Daoding Gao Gang -/3/15 3 ½ yrs. Benxi City Gao Qinmei 22/10/12 4 yrs. Gao Yan 30/8/15 Shihezi City Gao Yongli 1/9/15 15 days Mudanjiang City Gao Yuanzhuang 10/9/13 3 yrs. Gao Yuqin -/-/14 4 yrs. Muleng Ge Chunling 11/12 5 yrs. Taiyuan Detention Centre Ge Zhijun -/-/14 4 yrs. Daoding Gong Hudong 18/7/14 3 yrs. Guan Xuelin -/3/15 4yrs. Ermeishan Guo Baohua 12/14 3 yrs. Beijing Guo Bizhen 25/8/15 Fuzhou City Hao Funing 17/5/13 4 yrs. 3 Liu Village Police months Station Hu Rongyin 10/12 4 yrs. Jiyuan Detention Centre Hu Yanmin 1/9/15 7 yrs. Dabei Prison Hu Zhongtian 2/2/2012 3 ½ yrs. Shanghai Reformatory Huang Xueying 1/9/2012 4 yrs. Ji Liewu40 Jiang Lianying 29/3/13 3 yrs. Jiang Shuli 8/9/12 5 yrs. Xinxiang City Women’s Prison Jiang Yan -/3/15 3 yrs. 3 Huzhou months Jin Yingjie -/9/15 Shahekou Village Kong Hongyun -/-/14 4 yrs. Daoding Li Chang 26/12/99 18 yrs. Tianjin Prison Li Dapeng 29/3/2013 3 yrs. Jiamsu City Prison Li Donglai -/3/15 3 yrs. Chongqing Li Fengying -/3/15 3 yrs. Xilinhot Li Huancheng -/9/15 Xianggongzhuan Li Li -/3/15 5 yrs. Fushun City Li Meizhen 2/8/12 4 yrs. Xuhui Detention Centre Li Mingzhe -/6/15 6 yrs. 6 Anshan City months Li Qiaolian -/3/15 3 yrs. Baiyin Li Wenhong -/3/15 3 ½ yrs. Jiujiang Li Yan -/-/14 3 ½ yrs. Benxi City Li Youcui 12/8/15 10 days Handan City Li Yuping 4 yrs. Liang Jiantian 3/11/00 23 yrs. Panyu Prison Liao Anan -/3/15 5 yrs. Baiyin Liao Xuekang 1/9/12 5 yrs. Lin Shuyun -/3/15 3 yrs. Anshan City Lin Youmei 29/7/15 Zhangping Liu Bailian -/3/15 3 ½ yrs. Taiyuan

37 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Liu Dan 1/9/12 2 ½ yrs. Liu Erli -/3/15 3 ½ yrs. Lengshuijiang Liu Fengcheng 29/3/13 5 yrs. Liu Fengxia -/3/15 4 yrs. Ermeishan Liu Guisheng -/-/14 3 yrs. Huairen Liu Hanci 1/9/12 5 yrs. Liu Jingjun 1/6/12 11 yrs. Liaoyuan Detention Centre Liu Shuying -/3/15 3 yrs. Dandong Liu Yanmei Changting Lu Bagen 1/8/13 7 ½ yrs. Lu Fengyun 29/3/13 6 yrs. Harbin 2 Detention Centre Lu Guifen -/-/14 3 ½ yrs. Daoding Lu Hongfei 24/9/09 13 yrs. Guangdong Women’s Prison Lu Yunfei 20/1/2015 Lanzhou City No. 3 Detention Centre Luan Zhenqing 31/8/15 Yantai City Luo Yanjie 8-9/13 13 yrs. Heilongjiang Women’s Prison Ma Guiyue 15/9/13 3 yrs. Anhui Province Suzhou Prison Ma Yongian -/3/15 3 yrs. Wenchuan Ma Yuxiang -/-/14 7 yrs. Benxi City Mei Mingfei 2/9/15 Rizhao City Meng Fanying 29/3/13 5 yrs. Meng Jiying -/-/10 4 yrs. Beijing Women’s Labor Camp Meng Xiangiun -/3/15 3 ½ yrs. Anshan City Meng Zhanrong 16/4/14 3 yrs. Daxing District, Beijing Mo Huiping 16/2/13 4 yrs. Mo Zhikui 29/3/13 12 yrs. Hulan Prison

Pang Deijng 2/9/15 Wuqing Pang Yufen -/3/15 3 yrs. Qingdao Pang Yufen -/3/15 3 yrs. Qingdao Peng Changguo -/3/15 3 yrs. Shandong Prison Peng Yujuan 22/8/10 7 yrs. Heifei Second Detention Centre Qi Xiaoping -/3/15 7 ½ yrs. Wenchuan Qin Xiaomin 3 yrs. Shan Fugui 22/3/14 3 yrs. Shandong Women’s Prison Shu Anqing 10/11/11 3 ½ yrs. Gulin Detention Centre Song Landy 29/8/15 Quidong City Su Caixing 28/8/15 Beijing Det. Centre Su Junyi -/-/14 4 yrs. Wujin Su Kun 4/5/12 6 yrs. Kunming No. 1 Men’s Prison Sun Haizhu -/3/15 3 yrs. Qiqihar Sun Liping 1/7/12 5 yrs. Liaoyuan Detention

38 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Centre Sun Meixiu 17/1/15 Shouguang Detention Centre Sun Wenfu 29/3/13 5 yrs. Jiamusi City Prison

Sun Yuqiang 31/12/12 3 yrs. Jindong Prison Sun Yuxia -/3/15 3 yrs. Benxi City Tang Detong 9/02 14 yrs. Shandong Women’s Prison Tang Guofang 28/8/15 Beijing Tang Hongyan -/3/15 8 yrs. Fushun City Tang Jianhua -/3/15 3 yrs. Guiyang Tang Minghui -/3/15 4 yrs. Luzhou Tao Yun -/3/15 3 ½ yrs. Taicang Tian Yifu -/3/15 5 yrs. Liaoyuan Tu Junjun 29/5/15 Zhangjiagang City Wang Defen -/3/15 3 ½ yrs. Fushun City Wang Dongjun -/9/15 Langfang City Wang Guirong -/3/15 3 yrs. Tianjin Wang Guoxiang 1/7/12 5 yrs. Gongzhuling Prison Wang Guoying -/3/15 5 yrs. Fushun City Wang Hua -/3/15 3 yrs. 3 Wenchuan months Wang Jiaguo -/3/15 6 yrs. Fushun City Wang Jianying 22/8/10 7 yrs. Hefei Second Detention Centre Wang Pengyi 2/9/15 Fushun City Wang Shulin -/3/15 7 ½ yrs. Tianjin Wang Shuqing -/3/15 7 yrs. Tianjin Wang Xian Wang Xiangmei 30/12/14 3 yrs. Shandong Women’s Prison Wang Xiaomei -/3/15 3 ½ yrs. Wenchuan Wang Xinmin -/10/15 14 yrs. Mudanjiang Wang Xiuyan -/-/14 8 yrs. Benxi City Wang Yueling 17/1/15 Shouguang Detention Centre Wang Zhixue -/3/15 9 yrs. Guiyang Wei Shaomin -/3/15 7 ½ yrs. Fushun City Wei Xiangying -/9/15 Xuzhou City Wu Ruomei -/3/15 3 ½ yrs. Jiujiang Wu Zengjian 28/3/03 13 yrs. Shangdong Prison 15/9/15 Xin Dan -/3/15 5 yrs. Anshan City Xu Feng 29/3/13 3 yrs. Jiamusi City Prison Xu Shuzhi -/3/15 7 yrs. Jianping County Xu Wen -/3/15 4 yrs. Taicang Xu Wenlong 8/13 6 ½ yrs. Tailai Prison Xu Yajuan -/3/15 3 yrs. Jinzhou Xuguizhen -/3/15 3 yrs. Fushun City Yan Donglian 26/8/15 Liuyang City Yan Yuming -/3/15 4 yrs. Wenchuan Yang Wenxue -/3/15 4 yrs. Baiyin Yang Xiaochuan -/3/15 5 yrs. Jinchang

39 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Yao Yuhua 10/9/12 6 yrs. Ye Shaoxue -/6/15 8 yrs. Guiyang City Yi Shuling 18/7/14 3 ½ yrs. Shandong Women’s Prison Yi Zuojun -/3/15 3 yrs. Fushun City Yu Changxin 1/7/99 17 yrs. Air Force Detention Centre in Beijing Yu Shourong -/3/15 4 yrs. Fushun City Yuan Hongying 9/5/12 3 ½ yrs. Hongkou District Shanghai Detention Centre Yuan Xiaolan 19/1/13 5 yrs. Huangpu District Detention Centre Zhang Baogui 17/1/15 Shouguang City Zhang Guixia -/3/15 5 yrs. Liaoyuan Zhang Guofen 1/9/12 4 yrs. Zhang Haiyang -/-/14 3 yrs. Daoding Zhang Huijuan 29/3/13 12 yrs. Harbin City, Heilongjiang Zhang Jimei -/3/15 3 yrs. 3 Shandong Women’s months Prison Zhang Meizhen -/-/14 3 ½ yrs. Benxi City Zhang Minfang -/3/15 6 yrs. Jianping County Zhang Shuhui 16/4/14 3 ½ yrs. Daxing District, Beijing Zhang Xiaodan 4/5/12 4 yrs. Yunnan Women’s Prison Zhang Xiaoying 19/1/13 4 yrs. Huangpu District Detention Centre Zhang Xinghe 28/12/12 4 yrs. Shandong Province Prison Zhang Xiuqiang -/3/15 3 yrs. Boxing Zhang Xuexia -/3/15 3 yrs. Dezhou Zhang Yi 1/2/12 4 ½ yrs. Shanghai Reformatory Zhang Yonghua -/3/15 4 yrs. Lianyungang Zhang Yuhua 4 yrs. Qianjin Prison Zhang Yuhua -/3/15 7 yrs. Baigou Zhang Yuhua -/8/15 15 days Nong’an County Zhang Yunkun -/-/14 4 yrs. Anshan City Zhao Jinying -/3/15 3 yrs. Jiuquan Zhao Li’ai -/3/15 5 yrs. Ürümqi Zhao Min -/9/15 Shahekou Village Zhao Rongcai -/9/15 Xuzhou City Zhao Ronggui -/-/14 4 yrs. Luzhou Zhao Yuhua -/3/15 3-4 yrs. Arun Banner Zheng Subing 31/8/15 Huludao Zhong Rong -/3/15 3 ½ yrs. Chongqing Zhong Weiqin -/-/14 5 yrs. Benxi City Zhou Gaiqing -/3/15 3 ½ yrs. Anshan City Zhou Shumei 7/2/13 4 yrs. Shanghai Women’s Prison Zhu Xiangkuan 17/1/15 Shouguang Detention Centre Zhu Zuohai -/-/14 4 yrs. Anshan City

40 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Zou Hui -/3/15 Dalian City Zuo Zhenqi 29/3/13 6 yrs. Yilan Detention Centre

EGYPT

From 2011 to 2013, courts convicted 27 of 42 defendants on charges of contempt for religion, according to the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR). Judges acquitted three defendants and rejected charges against 11 others for lack of standing.

In March 2014, the Interior Ministry official in charge of security in Alexandria said he would form a task force to arrest atheists. In June 2014, following the election of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Egypt’s youth and religious endowments ministries announced a joint campaign to confront the spread of atheism.

On 10th December 2014, the Dar al-Ifta, a Justice Ministry wing that issues religious edicts, released a survey claiming that Egypt was home to 866 atheists, the highest number of any country in the Middle East. Two aides to the Grand Mufti – the head of the Dar al-Ifta – described the supposed increase in atheism as “a dangerous development” that “should ring alarm bells,” Mada Masr reported.

Copts

Kirollos Shawki ATALLAH

Age: 19 years Date and place of arrest: At a café in the Beheira governate in November 2014. Charges: Posting photos on Facebook deemed defamatory to Islam First court decision: 17th June 2014 Last court decision: He was sentenced by a minor offenses court to three years in prison on 10th January 2015.

Bishoy Armia BOULOUS (Before his conversion: Mohammed Hegazy)

Age: 32 years Date of arrest: On 2nd December 2013, in a café at the Agricultural Association in Minya. Charges: Disturbing peace by broadcasting false information to “cause harm or damage to the public interest.” Statement of the defendant: He was filming demonstrations against Christians. Place of detention: Tora Prison in Cfiro

41 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 First court decision: He was sentenced to five years in prison by Minya Criminal Court on 18th June 2014. Last court decision: He was declared non-guilty by the appeals judge on 28th December 2015. However, he remained in prison for charges of blasphemy filed against him in 2009. Other information: In 2008, Mohammed Hegazy was the first Egyptian citizen to attempt a legal change of his religious identity from Muslim to Christian. In Egypt, government-issued identity cards include a required notation of the person’s religion. Changing the notation to “Islam” is a simple administrative procedure; asking the government to approve a Muslim’s request to change to a different religion is unprecedented.

In 2007 Hegazy took his request to court. He was targeted by furious Muslim clerics, lawyers and journalists, demanding his execution as an apostate from Islam. For months afterwards, his name hit the headlines repeatedly, and his court case filed with the Interior Ministry came under heated public debate on television. More details at: http://bit.ly/1Ik2gvq and http://bit.ly/1PjyFDR.

Makram DIAB

Age: 49 years Date of arrest: February 2012 Charges: Insulting the Prophet and provoking students Statement of the defendant: He told a Salafi Muslim that Muhammad had more than four wives, which resulted in an argument. Article of the criminal code: Article 98 of the penal code, which prescribes a sentence of six months to five years and a fine of 500 to 1,000 Egyptian pounds for anyone who uses religion to propagate “extremist ideas” to incite strife, insult a monotheistic religion, or damage national unity. Place of detention: Assiut General Prison First court decision: Sentenced to six years in prison on 29th February 2012. Last court decision: On 16th March and 4th April 2012, two appeals were rejected. Other information: The first trial lasted only 10 minutes and no defense attorney was present. The first appeal process triggered a massive riot by Muslim attorneys. The judge doubled the sentence to appease an angry mob, 2,500 strong, which had surrounded the courtroom demanding Diab's death.

Bishoy KAMEL

Charges: Posting cartoons deemed defamatory to Islam and the Prophet Mohammed on Facebook as well as insulting President Mohamed Morsi and his family. Article of the criminal code: Article 98 of the penal code, which prescribes a sentence of six months to five years and a fine of 500 to 1,000 Egyptian pounds for anyone who uses religion to propagate “extremist ideas” to incite strife, insult a monotheistic religion, or damage national unity.

42 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Last court decision: On July 2012, he was sentenced to six years in prison (3 years for defaming Islam and the Prophet Mohammed, 2 years for insulting the president and one year for insulting Mohamed Safwat who made the allegations against him). Other information: Bishoy Kamel is a Christian school teacher.

Ishaq MEDHAT

Age: 35 years Place of residence: Beni Obeid in Minya Date of arrest: August 2015 Charges: He was initially charged with “inciting sectarian strife” and “harming national unity”, but latterly had a charge of “insulting religion” added to his case. Statement of the defendant: He was handing out Bibles on the street when he was arrested. Article of the criminal code: Article 98 of the penal code, which prescribes a sentence of six months to five years, and a fine of 500 to 1,000 Egyptian pounds for anyone who uses religion to propagate “extremist ideas” to incite strife, insulting a monotheistic religion, or damage national unity. Last court sentence: Unknown Other information: There is no law that makes illegal the act of attempting to convert but Article 98 of the penal code is used to criminalise the exploitation of religion for the purposes of inciting sectarian strife and harming national unity and social peace”. He was kept in pre-trial custody for at least two weeks but no other news was available after his arrest.

Muslims

Islam AL-BEHAIRY

Date of arrest: April 2015 Charges: Blasphemy and “contempt of religion” by insulting Islam Statement of the defendant: He was not insulting Islam because he was not talking about Allah or the Koran. He was discussing religious opinions of some old preachers in the context of reforming the religious discourse. First court decision: In May 2015, he was sentenced to 5 years in prison. Second court decision: He was acquitted in June 2015 of the blasphemy charge. Last court decision: On 29th December 2015, his sentence has been reduced to 1 year in prison on appeal on the charge of “contempt of religion”. Other information: Al-Behairy ran a TV programme "With Islam", in which he called for reforms in "traditional Islamic discourse", and tackled controversial issues such as punishments for apostasy, early marriage, and different interpretations of the Hadith, the sayings and teachings of Islam's Prophet Mohamed. The show was cancelled in April and up to 48 complaints were filed in relation to his views. Egypt's constitution outlaws insults against the three monotheist religions recognised by the state: Islam, Christianity and Judaism.

43 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016

Shia Muslim

Amr ABDALLAH

Date and place of arrest: 14th November 2013 Charges: Blasphemy and defamation of the Prophet Muhammad’s companions. Article of the criminal code: Article 98 “Anyone offending religion in any form can face up to six years in prison and be fined up to LE500 ($70)” Last court decision: He was sentenced to five years in prison by the Gamaliya Misdemeanor Court on 26th February 2014.

ERITREA

According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide’s submission to the United Nations UPR process in 2014, between 2,500 and 3,000 Christians are detained indefinitely at any given time in Eritrea. Although some were initially released after pledging to renounce their faith, none have been formally charged or tried, and all are held pending similar denials of faith. Since Orthodox Patriarch Antonios were forcefully deposed in 2007, 23 Orthodox priests are known to be still detained. Jehovah’s Witnesses, who were deprived of their citizenship after the ban of their movement in 1994, are also paying heavy tribute with over 70 long-standing prisoners.

44 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Protestants

Dr. Kiflu GEBREMESKEL

Date and place of arrest: 23rd May 2004 Charges: UNK Statement of the defendant: Senior pastor of Southwest Full Gospel Church Other information: He has never been charged with a crime, and has been held incommunicado ever since his arrrest. His wife and four children have not been able to visit him.

Haile NAYZGI

Date and place of arrest: 23rd May 2004 Charges: UNK Statement of the defendant: Leader of Eritrea’s Full Gospel Church Other information: Haile Nayzgi has been moved to various locations since his arrest.

Kidane WELDOU

Date and place of arrest: 18th March 2005 Charges: Unknown Statement of the defendant: He is Pastor of Asmara Full Gospel Church.

Orthodox

Patriarch Abune ANTONIOS

Date of birth: 12th July 1927 Statement of the defendant: He protested against the interference of the Eritrean Department of Religious Affairs in his church‘s affairs. Court decision: He was sentenced to house arrest in 2006. Place of detention: Asmara Other information: He has been prevented from communicating with the outside world and despite deteriorating health he was reportedly denied medical care. One of his faithful has managed to visit him this year and to take a picture of him.

Jehovah’s Witnesses

54 Jehovah’s Witnesses

45 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 According to the last available information (October 2015), 54 Jehovah’s Witnesses (46 men and 8 women) are imprisoned in harsh conditions. They are held in detention for C.O., religious meetings, religious activity or for undisclosed reasons.

C.O.= Conscientious Objection UNK= Unknown

Name Age Gender Location Date Arrested Charges Eyassu, Paulos 43 Male Sawa 24 /9/94 C.O. Camp Mogos, Isaac 41 Male Sawa 24/9/94 C.O. Camp Teklemariam, Negede 40 Male Sawa 24/9/94 C.O. Camp Abraha, Aron 42 Male Sawa 9/5/01 C.O. Camp Fessehaye, Mussie 44 Male Sawa 6/03 C.O. Camp Tsegezab, Ambakom 41 Male Sawa 2/04 C.O. Camp Fessehaye, Bemnet 44 Male Sawa 2/05 C.O. Camp Ghebru, Henok 32 Male Sawa 2/05 C.O. Camp Kiros, Worede 59 Male Sawa 4/5/05 Religious Camp activity Yonas, Yonathan 30 Male Sawa 12/11/05 Religious Camp activity Fessehaye, Kibreab 38 Male Sawa 27/12/05 C.O. Camp Oqbagabir, Bereket 46 Male Sawa 1/1/06 C.O. Abraha Camp Fessehaye, Yosief 27 Male Sawa 07 C.O. Camp Gebremeskel, Mogos 68 Male Adi-Abieto 3/7/08 UNK Abraha, Bereket 67 Male Meitir 8/7/08 UNK Camp Ashgedom, Ermias 25 Male Meitir 11/7/08 UNK Camp Mekonen, 74 Male Meitir 17/7/08 UNK Habtemichael Camp Tesfamariam, Tareke 64 Male Meitir 4/8/08 UNK Camp Aradom, Goitom 72 Male Meitir 8/8/08 UNK Camp Tesfamariam, 67 Male Meitir 8/8/08 UNK

46 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Habtemichael Camp Habtezion, 57 Male Meitir 9/8/08 UNK Tewoldemedhin Camp Beyene, Teferi 73 Male Meitir 23/9/08 UNK Camp Abraham, Beyene 63 Male Karen 23/10/08 UNK Police Station Haile, Asfaha 80 Male Meitir 2/12/08 UNK Camp Leghesse, Tsehaye 75 Male Karen 23/12/08 UNK Police Station Tesfazghi, Tsegezeab 68 Male Meitir 23/12/08 UNK Camp Tecle, Yoab 63 Male Meitir 23/4/09 Rearrested Camp Tsegezab, Yoel 40 Male Meitir 26/8/08 C.O. Camp Hagos, Nehemiah 30 Male Meitir 26/8/08 C.O. Camp Ghirmay, Samuel 33 Male Meitir 3/09 C.O. Camp Gebrehiwot, Teklu 40 Male Meitir 28/6/09 Religious Camp meeting Afeworki, Isaias 30 Male Meitir 28/6/09 Religious Camp meeting Milen, Isaac 27 Female Meitir 28/6/09 Religious Camp meeting Seid, Faiza 30 Female Meitir 28/6/09 Religious Camp meeting Gebremichael, 72 Male 5th Police 20/7/11 UNK Tesfazion Station Woldemichael, Hagos 62 Male Meitir 21/4/12 Preaching Camp at a funeral Ghebremariam, Araia 60 Male Meitir 21/4/12 Preaching Camp at a funeral Berhe, Tsegabirhan 52 Male Meitir 21/4/12 Preaching Camp at a funeral Meharizghi, Daniel 38 Male Meitir 21/4/12 Preaching Camp at a funeral Tesfamariam, Yoseph 51 Male Around 5/12 C.O. Keren Berhane, Gebru 65 Male 2nd Police 14/4/14 Religious Station meeting Gebrehiwot, Tekle 59 Male 2nd Police 14/4/14 Religious Station meeting Tesfagabir, Thomas 33 Male 5th Police 27/4/14 Religious

47 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Station meeting Estifanos, Mordochai 21 Male 5th Police 27/4/14 Religious Station meeting Tewolde, Mehari Male 5th Police 27/4/14 Religious Station meeting Gashazghi, Michael 23 Male 5th Police 27/4/14 Religious Station meeting Hidru, Liya Female 5th Police 27/4/14 Religious Station meeting Shiwaseged, Wintana 26 Female 5th Police 27/4/14 Religious Station meeting Taddesse, Mikaal 24 Female 5th Police 27/4/14 Religious Station meeting Woldai, Emnet 36 Female 5th Police 27/4/14 Religious Station meeting Ghebrehiwot, Salem 20 Female 5th Police 27/4/14 Religious Station meeting Berhane, Senait Female 5th Police 27/4/14 Religious Station meeting Habteyesus, Bereket 23 Male 2nd Police 26/5/14 C.O. Station Kahsai, Melaku Male 2nd Police UNK UNK Station

INDONESIA

Freedom of Expression Related to Religious Issues

Shi’a Muslims

Andreas GUNTUR

Age: 40 years Place of residence: Pulau Punjung Charges: Blasphemy for alleged unconventional Islamic teachings Statement of the defendant: Andreas Guntur was holding a gathering with his followers in Girimulyo village in Klaten district, Central Java, when members of the sub-district consultative leadership, local police and military, as well as Islamic organizations stormed his house. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Article 156(a) of the Indonesian Criminal Code on blasphemy. First court decision: On 14th March 2012, he was sentenced to four years in prison at Klaten District Court (Central Java). Last court decision: The decision was upheld by the Central Java High Court in April 2012 and the Supreme Court in August 2012.

48 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Other information: He is the leader of Amanat Keagungan Ilahi against which the Indonesia Council of Ulema issued a fatwah in 2009, claiming that the movement rejected conventional Islamic rituals.

Tajul MULUK

Place of residence: Sampang, East Java Charges: Blasphemy because he allegedly said that the version of the Qur’an that Muslims were using was not the original text. Statement of the defendant: He denied such allegation. First court decision: Sampang district court sentenced him to two years in prison on 12th July 2012. Last court decision: His sentence was increased on appeal to four years on 10th September 2012 by the Sampang high court. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Article 156(a) of the Indonesian Criminal Code Other: On 29th December 2011, Tajul Muluk and over 300 other Shi’as were forcibly evicted from their village, when an anti-Shi’a mob of some 500 people attacked and burned houses, a boarding school and a Shi’a place of worship. On 1st January 2012 a religious decree (fatwa) was issued by the Sampang branch of the Indonesia Ulema Council (MUI), a non-governmental body, about what was described as Tajul Muluk’s “deviant teachings” and on 16 March, the East Java regional police charged Tajul Muluk with blasphemy.

Protestant

Antonius Richmond BAWENGEAN

Age: 62 years Place of residence: Jakarta Date of arrest: 26th October 2010 Charges: Blasphemy Statement of the defendant: Distributing pamphlets that allegedly disparaged the Kaaba. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Article 156(a) of the Indonesian Criminal Code on blasphemy. Court decision: On 8th February 2011, he was sentenced to five years in prison. Other information: Protesters demanded that Bawengan be handed over, and chanted, “kill, kill,” outside the court as he was led away under heavy security. The angry mob then trashed the courtroom before targeting Christian sites, burning down a number of churches and schools.

49 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 IRAN

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) listed 120 Baha’is, 48 Christians of various denominations, 14 Dervish Muslims and 88 Sunni Muslims in the list of religious prisoners attached to its 2014 Annual Report covering incidents in 2013.

Protestants

Collective arrests

18 Christians

Date and place of arrest: On 20th February 2013, in Shahin-Shahr Charges: Evangelism and establishing house churches Last court decision: Each Christian was sentenced to about one year in prison by the Revolutionary Courts in Esfahan, Rasht, Tonekabon, and Karaj. Other information: After their arrest they were detained for a month and then freed on bail until this most recent trial. The 18 Christian converts were sentenced to 23 years and nine months in total at the beginning of 2015. These sentences have been confirmed in an appeals court and are final. Their names are: Nasrin KIAMARZI, Sarah FOULADI, Maryam BATENI-NIA, Akbar AHMADI, Bita JA’FARI, Abbas KIANI, Fatemeh ZAREIE, Masoumeh DASHTI, Ramin BAKHTIARVAND, Neda FOULADI, Samira FOULADI, and two unnamed individuals. See http://mohabatnews.com/en/?p=2137

10 Christians Date and place of arrest: On 25th December 2015, in Shiraz Charges: Unknown Other information: According to report of Human Rights Activists News Agency in Iran (HRANA), a group of Christian converts who had gathered to celebrate “Christmas” were arrested and transferred to an unknown location. Names of the arrested Christians: Mohsen Javadi, Elaheh eizadi, Mohammad Golshani Kia, Reza Mohammadi, Mahmoud Salehi, Mousa Saripoor, Ali Reza Alighanbari, Mohammad Reza Soltanian, “Brother Khalil” and another person (identity unknown).

Individual arrests

Rasoul ABDOLLAHI

Date of arrest: During the final days of 2009 Charges: Conspiring against the Islamic regime and for evangelism Last court decision: Sentenced to three years in prison by the Revolutionary Court.

50 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Place of detention: Abdollahi reported to Evin Prison on 3rd December 2013 to begin serving his three year sentence. He was then sent 350 ward of the prison. However, on 8th October 2014, he was transferred to Rajaei-Shahri prison in Karaj. Date of release: 18th February 2015 Other information: His release/pardon was granted under specific conditions: banned from participation in any Christian activities or attending Christian services. Violation of any of these conditions will result in his re-arrest and serving his full sentence.

Pastor Saeed ABEDINI

Date of birth: 7th May 1980 Place of residence: U.S.A. Date of arrest: 26th September 2012, in Tehran Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security (Clause 610) - Undermining national security (Clause 498) - Membership in organisations that aim to disrupt national security (Clause 499) Statement of the defendant: He was managing the construction of a non-religious orphanage. Articles of the criminal code: Article 610 – Article 498 - Article 499 Place of detention: Rajai Shahr Prison Last court decisions: 27th January 2013, eight years in prison for endangering national security by aiding underground Evangelical churches. On 25th August 2014, his appeal for a reduction of his sentence was rejected. Other information: Pastor Saeed was granted U.S. citizenship in 2010 through marriage to his American wife. He was pressured by prison officials to recant his faith or remain imprisoned indefinitely. Saeed was often beaten and received death threats in prison. He has been denied bail. In March 2014, he was transferred to a private hospital in Iran after spending two months in a hospital for injuries. In May, an armed contingent of Iranian guards stormed the hospital where he was detained and severely beat him.

Mehdi AMERUNI (Church of Iran)

Date of arrest: 12th October 2012 Charges: Action against national security and propaganda against the regime Last court decision: On 16th July 2013, three years in prison Place of detention: Abdel-Abad, Shiraz Date of release: December 2015

Hossein Saketi ARAMSARI (Stephen)

Date and place of arrest: 23rd July 2013 in Golestan Charges: Evangelism Place of detention: Ward 7 of Karaj Central Detention House

51 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Last court decision: One year of detention in January 2014 by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court in Karaj Other information: Saketi Aramsari was granted bail for conditional release, but for unknown reasons judicial authorities prevented his family from posting the bail for his release.

Pastor Vruir AVANESSIAN

Age: 61 years Date and place of arrest: 27th December 2012, in the northern district of Tehran Charges: Action against national security and proselytizing Farsi-speaking citizens Statement of the defendant: He was at a gathering at a residential home to celebrate Christmas. Place of detention: Evin Prison in Tehran Last court decision: His trial was held behind closed doors on 7th September 2013, in Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran. On 5th December 2013, he was sentenced to three and a half years in prison. Other information: Avanessian, an Armenian belonging to the Assemblies of God, is suffering severe health challenges.

Somayeh BAKHTIYARI

Date and place of arrest: 24th April 2013, Tehran Charges: Organising house church meetings Place of detention: Evin prison Other information: Christian convert activist.

Pastor Victor BET-TAMRAZ

Age: 60 years Place of residence: Tehran Date of arrest: 26th December 2014 Place of detention: Evin Prison Date of release: Pastor Victor Bet-Tamraz was released on 1st March 2015, on high bail conditions. His family had to submit title deeds to meet the conditions. Other information: He is an Assyrian pastor of Shahr-Ara Pentecostal Church.

Masoud DELIJANI

Date of arrest: 17th March 2011 Charges: Holding illegal house church gatherings, evangelizing Muslims and action “against national security” Place of detention: Deizal-Abad, central prison of Kermanshah

52 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 First court decision: On 9th July 2011, he was released on bail and re-arrested two weeks later. Last court decision: In February 2012, he sentenced to three years in prison by the Revolutionary Court of Kermanshah. Other information: Before being released on bail, he spent 114 days mostly in solitary confinement.

Pastor Farshid FATHI

Birth date: 1978 Date of arrest: 26th December 2010 Charges: Propaganda against the system (Clause 500); Undermining national security (Clause 498) Articles of the criminal code: Article 498 - Article 500 Place of detention: He was held first in Evin Prison, including extended periods of solitary confinement. On 20th April 2014, he was transferred to Taleghani hospital after receiving a beating by Revolutionary Guards. On 19th August 2014, he was transferred out of ward 350 of Evin Prison and into Rajaei-Shahir prison in Karaj. First court decision: On 12th January 2012, he was sentenced to six years in prison by the Revolutionary Court of Kermanshah. Last court decision: On 29th December 2014, Fathi appeared in Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court where he was sentenced to an additional year in prison and 74 lashings. He was accused of possessing alcoholic beverages in prison. He denied this allegation before the judge and filed an appeal. In 2015 his appeal was dismissed. Other information: An Assemblies of God pastor arrested during the 2010 Christmas crackdown. In April 2013, Fathi’s family moved to Canada. Date of release: 21 December 2015

Ebrahim FIROUZI

Age: 28 years Place of residence: Robat-Karim, 20 kilometres south-west of Tehran Date and place of arrest: 7th March 2013 in Tehran Charges: Membership in organisations that aim to disrupt national security (Clause 499) - Propaganda against the system (Clause 500) Statement of the defendant: He launched and administered a Christian missionary website, and distributed Bibles. Security authorities and interrogators fabricated the allegations. Articles of the criminal code: Article 499 - Article 500 Place of detention: After his arrest, Firouzi was sent to Ward 209 of Evin Prison and was subject to intense interrogations for ten days. He was then transferred to Ward 350 and released on bail after 53 days in custody. Last court decision: On 15th July 2013, the Revolutionary Court in Robat-Karim sentenced him to one year in prison and two years of exile to Sarbaz, a remote border city.

53 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Other information: It was expected that he would be realeased on 13th January. However, a new case was raised and he was sentenced to five years imprisonment by Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court.

Bijan Farokhpour HAGHIGHI (Church of Iran)

Date and place of arrest: 12th October 2012 in Shiraz Charges: Action against national security and propaganda against the regime First court decision: On 16th July 2013, he was sentenced to three years in prison. Last court decision: On 29th March 2014, his appeal was rejected. Date of release: December 2015

Vahid HAKKANI

Date and place of arrest: 8th February 2012, in Shiraz Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security (Clause 610), membership in organisations that aim to disrupt national security (Clause 499), propaganda against the system (Clause 500) Statement of the defendant: He was attending a house church. Articles of the criminal code: Article 610 – Article 499 - Article 500 First court decision: 10th June 2013, three years and eight months in prison Last court decision: On 12th October 2013, Branch 15 of the Appeals’ Court confirmed the initial verdict. Place of detention: Adel-Abad prison in Shiraz. He was transferred to the hospital in November 2013 because he was in bad health. Date of release: Conditional release on 26th January 2015

Mojtaba Seyyed-Alaedin HOSSEIN

Date and place of arrest: 12th February 2015 Charges: Spreading Christianity, disrupting national security, propaganda against the regime, and contact with foreign agencies Place of detention: Adel-Abad prison Date of release: He was conditionally released on 18th March 2015. Other infomation: This has not been his first time imprisoned for his Christian faith.

Maysam HOJATI

Age: 34 Date and place of arrest: He was arrested on 23rd December 2015, when four plain-cloths security authorities raided his parental home in Esfahan.

54 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Charges: He is charged with being baptized as a Muslim-born (apostasy), evangelism, distributing Bibles, and partaking in house-church planting. Place of detention: He was put in solitary confinement in a five square meter cell with no windows for 12 days at an unknown location. Date of release: Bail posted on 6 January 2016. He will await a hearing. Other information: He was interrogated for 10 to 12 hours a day regarding his relationships with foreign churches and their leaders, how services were conducted and over the distribution of Bibles. He was beaten when he refused to give them satisfactory answers, and forced to sign a disclaimer.

Pastor Behnam IRANI (Church of Iran)

Age: 47 years Place of residence: Karaj Date of arrest: 31st May 2011 Charges: Acting against national security and organising a group to overthrow the regime Statement of the defendant: He held house church services and evangelized Muslims. Last court decision: On 30th September 2014, he was sentenced to six years in prison. Place of detention: Rajaei Shahr Prison Other information: Irani was first arrested in December 2006 and tried for crimes against national security. He was released in January 2007 but was soon re-arrested, tried, and sentenced to a suspended sentence of five years in prison. Shortly before the time of his release from his one-year prison term on 18th October 2011, he was informed by letter that he was now required to serve his five-year suspended prison sentence from 2008. In February 2014, Pastor Irani successfully underwent surgery to treat stomach and colon complications. He has been beaten and abused while in prison.

Jamshid JABBARI

Date and place of arrest: 1st December 2013, near the university of Kerman Charges: Insulting Islam (Clause 513) Other information: He is a Christian student and blogger.

Pastor Amin KHAKI

Date of arrest: 5th March 2014 Place of detention: Interim Ward of Ahwaz Prison (from 7th May 2014) Date of release: 3rd January 2015, after paying 500 million Iranian Rials (approximately 18,340 Dollars)

Pastor Farshid Fathi MALAYERI (Assemblies of God)

Date of arrest: 17th April 2014

55 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Charges: Action against national security, cooperating with foreign organisations, and evangelism Last court decision: Six-year prison sentence for the above mentioned charges, and an additional one-year prison sentence following a trial on 29th December 2014 by Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran.

Eskandar REZAIE

Date and place of arrest: 12th October 2012, Shiraz Charges: Actions against national security and propaganda against the order of the system Statement of defendant: Participating in a prayer meeting First court decision: On 16th July 2013, he was sentenced to one year in prison. Last court decision: On 29th March 2014, the initial sentence was upheld. Place of detention: Adelabad Prison Date of release: December 2015 Other info: He was released on bail during the appeal process that followed this original sentencing. In July 2015, he was recalled from bail to serve the prison sentence he received in 2013.

Massoud REZAIE (Church of Iran)

Date of arrest: October 2012 Charges: Action against national security and propaganda against the regime Last court decision: On 16th July 2013, Massoud Rezaie was sentenced to five years in prison.

Mohammad ROGHANGIR (Church of Iran)

Date of arrest: October 2012 Charges: Action against national security and propaganda against the regime Last court decision: On 16th July 2013, Mohammad Roghangir was sentenced to six years in prison. He started serving his sentence in July 2014. Place of detention: Adel Abad prison in Shiraz

Suroush SARAIE (Church of Iran)

Date and place of arrest: 12th October 2012, in Bandar Anzali in northern Iran Charges: Action against national security and propaganda against the regime Last court decision: On 29th March 2014, Suroush Rezaie was sentenced to to two and half years in prison. He started serving his sentence on 5th July 2014. Place of detention: Adel Abad prison in Shiraz

56 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Date of release: 11th November 2015

Seyyed Alireza SEYYEDIAN (Church of Iran)

Date and place of arrest: 14th March 2012, on his way to leave the country for a Persian New Year vacation Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security (Islamic Penal Code, Article 610), propaganda against the system (Clause 500). Statement of the defendant: He was holding regular meetings with former Muslims and distributing Bibles among the youth. Articles of the criminal code: Article 610 – Article 500 Place of detention: Section 350 of Evin Prison, ward 1, hallway 2, Tehran First court decision: Sentenced to six years imprisonment in December 2011. Last court decision: Three and a half years of imprisonment on appeal Date of release: Seyyedian was granted 5 days temporary leave from Even Prison early in 2014. Other information: Alireza converted to Christianity and was baptized while living in Turkey. The verdict also stated that he had communicated with Zionist satellite channels.

Maryam Naghash ZARGARAN

Age: 36 years Date of arrest: Late 2012 Charges: Conducting propaganda against the Islamic regime and acting against the national security Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Article 610 of the Islamic Penal Code First court decision: In March 2013, she was sentenced to four years in prison. Last court decision: Four years in prison Place of detention: Women’s Ward of Evin Prison, Tehran Other info: While in prison she has suffered a heart attack and has not received the proper medical attention.

Muslims

Sufis/ Dervishes: Nematollahi Order

Mostafa ABDI

Date and place of arrest: 30th January 2013, Tehran Charges: Membership in organisations that aim to disrupt national security. Assembly and collusion against national security through cooperating with Majzooban Noor website Statement of the defendant: He was administrator of a Sufi website: http://www.majzooban.org/en. Article of the criminal law: Article 610 – Article 499

57 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Place of detention: Evin prison First court decision: On 13th July 2013, he was sentenced to three years in prison by Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court. Last court decision: Three years in prison Date of release: 17th December 2015

Ali AJDARI

Place of residence: Kavar county in Fars Province Date and place of arrest: September 2011 (released in anticipation of process) Charges: Involvement in a skirmish and causing physical harm and violation of public order Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Last court decision: Sentenced in May 2014 to two years in prison and paying blood money (diyeh - to compensate the injuries caused to Basijs and plainclothes forces) by the 1st branch of the General court in Kavar.

Omid-Ali AKBARI

Place of residence: Kavar county in Fars Province Date and place of arrest: September 2011 (released in anticipation of process) Charges: Involvement in a skirmish and causing physical harm and violation of public order Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Last court decision: Sentenced in May 2014 to three years in prison and paying blood money (diyeh - to compensate the injuries caused to Basijs and plaincloth forces) by the 1st branch of the General court in Kavar.

Abdol-Reza ARAYESH

Place of residence: Kavar county in Fars Province Date and place of arrest: September 2011 (released in anticipation of process) Charges: Involvement in a skirmish and causing physical harm and violation of public order Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Last court decision: Sentenced on 29th May 2014 to two years in prison and paying blood money (diyeh - to compensate the injuries caused to Basijs and plaincloth forces) by the 1st branch of the General court in Kavar.

Hamid-Reza ARAYESH

Place of residence: Kavar county in Fars Province Arrested: September 2011 (released in anticipation of process) Charges: Spreading corruption on the earth, membership of illegal group (being Dervish/friary), assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security, causing

58 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 physical harm and violation of public order, carrying illegal weapons and Moharebeh (enmity with God) Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. First court decision: In October 2013, Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz sentenced him to permanent exile in the province of Khuzestan. Last court decision: In May 2014, he was sentenced to four years in prison and paying blood money (diyeh - to compensate the injuries caused to Basijs and plaincloth forces) by the 1st branch of the General court in Kavar.

Mohammad ARAYESH

Place of residence: Kavar county in Fars Province Date and place of arrest: September 2011 (released in anticipation of process) Charges: Involvement in a skirmish and causing physical harm, and violation of public order Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Last court decision: Sentenced in May 2014 to two years in prison and paying blood money (diyeh - to compensate the injuries caused to Basijs and plaincloth forces) by the 1st branch of the General court in Kavar.

Seyed Ebrahim BAHRAMI

Date and place of arrest: 6th May 2013 Place of residence: Kavar county in Fars Province Charges: Enmity against God (Moharebeh), clauses 183, 186 & 187 – Assembly and collusion against national security (Islamic Penal Code, Article 610) – Undermining national security (Clause 498) - Membership in organisations that aim to disrupt national security (Clause 499) - Involvement in a skirmish and causing physical harm, violation of public order, carrying illegal weapons, participating in the gatherings with the aim of overthrowing the Islamic Republic and enmity against the God and corruption on earth Statement of the defendants: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Articles of the criminal code: Articles 183, 186 & 187 - Article 610 – Article 498 - Article 499 Place of detention: Sent to Intel prison on 6th May 2013, and then to Adel Abad prison on 12th May 2013. First court decision: On 12th November 2013, he was sentenced to seven years exile. Last court decision: On 28th January 2015, the Supreme Court approved the initial sentence. He started his exile term on 5th April 2015. Other information: He spent nearly one year in Adel-Abad prison under temporary detention. He was put under physical and psychological pressure, and tortured in Shiraz Intelligence Detention Centre, known as No.100 (Plaque 100/Pelak sad).

Omid BEHROUZI

59 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Date and place of arrest: 27th October 2011 Charges: Membership in a sect endangering national security – Propaganda against the state – Insulting the Supreme Leader – Disturbing the public mind – Establishing and membership in a deviant group – Disrupting the public order Statement of the defendant: He contributed to the Sufi website Majzooban-e Noor (http://www.majzooban.org/en). Place of detention: Evin Prison, Tehran Last court decision: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court sentenced him to 7 years ½ in prison.

Amanollah CHERAGHI

Place of residence: Kavar county in Fars Province Date and place of arrest: September 2011 (released in anticipation of process) Charges: Involvement in a skirmish and causing physical harm and violation of public order Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Last court decision: Sentenced in May 2014 to two years in prison and paying blood money (diyeh - to compensate the injuries caused to Basijs and plaincloth forces) by the 1st branch of the General court in Kavar.

Ghasem DAGHTAN

Place of residence: Kavar County in Fars Province Date and place of arrest: September 2011 (released in anticipation of process) Charges: Involvement in a skirmish and causing physical harm and violation of public order Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Last court decision: Sentenced in May 2014 to two years in prison and paying blood money (diyeh - to compensate the injuries caused to Basijs and plaincloth forces) by the 1st branch of the General court in Kavar.

Mostafa DANESHJOO

Date and place of arrest: 18th May 2011, Tehran. Charges: Membership in a sect endangering national security – Propaganda against the state – Insulting the Supreme Leader – Disturbing the public mind – Establishing and membership in a deviant group – Disrupting the public order Statement of the defendant: He contributed to the Sufi website Majzooban-e Noor (http://www.majzooban.org/en). Place of detention: Ward 8 of Evin Prison, Tehran Last court decision: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court sentenced him to 7 years ½ in prison. Released: 19th May 2015

60 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Khorshid DASHTAKI

Place of residence: Kavar County in Fars Province Arrested: September 2011 (released in anticipation of process) Charges: Involvement in a skirmish and causing physical harm and violation of public order Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Last court decision: Sentenced in May 2014 to two years in prison and paying blood money (diyeh - to compensate the injuries caused to Basijs and plaincloth forces) by the 1st branch of the General court in Kavar.

Ali DEHGHAN

Place of residence: Kavar County in Fars Province Date and place of arrest: September 2011 (released in anticipation of process) Charges: Involvement in a skirmish and causing physical harm and violation of public order Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Last court decision: Sentenced in May 2014 to two years in prison and to pay blood money (diyeh - to compensate the injuries caused to Basijs and plaincloth forces) by the 1st branch of the General court in Kavar.

Amir-Hamzeh DEHGHAN

Place of residence: Kavar County in Fars Province Date and place of arrest: September 2011 (released in anticipation of process) Charges: Involvement in a skirmish and causing physical harm and violation of public order Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Last court decision: Sentenced in May 2014 to three years in prison and paying blood money (diyeh - to compensate the injuries caused to Basijs and plaincloth forces) by the 1st branch of the General court in Kavar.

Esmaeil DEHGHAN

Place of residence: Kavar County in Fars Province Date and place of arrest: September 2011 (released in anticipation of process) Charges: Involvement in a skirmish and causing physical harm and violation of public order Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Last court decision: Sentenced in May 2014 to two years in prison and paying blood money (diyeh - to compensate the injuries caused to Basijs and plaincloth forces) by the 1st branch of the General court in Kavar.

Issa DEHGHAN

Place of residence: Kavar County in Fars Province

61 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Date and place of arrest: September 2011 (released in anticipation of process) Charges: Involvement in a skirmish and causing physical harm and violation of public order Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Last court decision: Sentenced in May 2014 to two years in prison and paying blood money (diyeh - to compensate the injuries caused to Basijs and plaincloth forces) by the 1st branch of the General court in Kavar.

Kazem DEHGHAN

Place of residence: Kavar County in Fars Province Date and place of arrest: September 2011 (released in anticipation of process) Charges: Spreading corruption on the earth, membership of illegal group (being Dervish/friary), assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security, causing physical harm and violation of public order, carrying illegal weapons and Moharebeh (enmity with God) Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. First court decision: Sentenced in October 2013 to permanent exile in the province of Sistan and Baluchestan by Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz. Last court decision: Sentenced in May 2014 to four years in prison and paying blood money (diyeh - to compensate the injuries caused to Basijs and plaincloth forces) by the 1st branch of the General court in Kavar.

Mohammad-Ali DEHGHAN

Date and place of arrest: 13th May 2013 Place of residence: Kavar County in Fars Province Charges: Enmity against God (Moharebeh), clauses 183, 186 & 187 – Assembly and collusion against national security (Islamic Penal Code, Article 610) – Undermining national security (Clause 498) - Membership in organisations that aim to disrupt national security (Clause 499) - Involvement in a skirmish and causing physical harm, violation of public order, carrying illegal weapons, participating in the gatherings with the aim of overthrowing the Islamic Republic and enmity against the God and corruption on earth Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Articles of the criminal code: Articles 183, 186 & 187 - Article 610 – Article 498 - Article 499 Place of detention: Adel Abad prison Last court decision: On 29th May 2014, he was sentenced to four years in prison and paying blood money (diyeh - to compensate the injuries caused to Basijs and plaincloth forces) by the 1st branch of the General court in Kavar.

Mehdi DEHGHAN

Place of residence: Kavar County in Fars Province

62 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Date and place of arrest: September 2011 (released in anticipation of process) Charges: Involvement in a skirmish and causing physical harm and violation of public order Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Last court decision: Sentenced in May 2014 to two years in prison and paying blood money (diyeh - to compensate the injuries caused to Basijs and plaincloth forces) by the 1st branch of the General court in Kavar.

Shahram DEHGHAN

Place of residence: Kavar County in Fars Province Date and place of arrest: September 2011 (released in anticipation of process) Charges: Involvement in a skirmish and causing physical harm and violation of public order Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Last court decision: Sentenced in May 2014 to two years in prison and paying blood money (diyeh - to compensate the injuries caused to Basijs and plaincloth forces) by the 1st branch of the General court in Kavar.

Sohrab DEHGHAN

Place of residence: Kavar County in Fars Province Date and place of arrest: September 2011 (released in anticipation of process) Charges: Involvement in a skirmish and causing physical harm and violation of public order Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Last court decision: Sentenced in May 2014 to two years in prison and paying blood money (diyeh - to compensate the injuries caused to Basijs and plaincloth forces) by the 1st branch of the General court in Kavar.

Reza ENTESARI

Date of arrest: 4th September 2011 Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security (Islamic Penal Code, Article 610) – Membership in organisations that aim to disrupt national security (Clause 499) – Propaganda against the system (Clause 500) – Insulting the Supreme Leader (Clause 514) Statement of the defendant: He contributed to the Sufi website Majzooban-e Noor (http://www.majzooban.org/en). Articles of the criminal code: Article 610 – Article 499 - Article 500 – Article 514 Place of detention: Evin Prison, Tehran Last court decision: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court sentenced him to 8 years ½ in prison. Date of release: 15th August 2015 (the rest of the sentence was suspended) Other info: He suffers from heart disease and has received only sporadic treatment.

63 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Amir ESLAMI

Age: 35 years Date and place of arrest: 4th September 2011 Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security (Islamic Penal Code, Article 610) – Propaganda against the system (Clause 500) - Membership in a sect endangering national security - Propaganda against the state - Insulting the Supreme Leader - Disturbing the public mind - Establishing and membership in a deviant group - Disrupting the public order Statement of the defendant: He contributed to the Sufi website Majzooban-e Noor (http://www.majzooban.org/en). Articles of the criminal code: Article 610 – Article 500 Place of detention: Evin Prison, Tehran Last court decision: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court sentenced him to 7 years ½ in prison.

Mohsen ESMAILI

Date of arrest: 13th May 2013 Place of residence: Kavar County in Fars Province Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security (Islamic Penal Code, Article 610) – Enmity against God (Clauses 183, 186 and 187) - Membership in organisations that aim to disrupt national security (Clause 499) - Involvement in a skirmish and causing physical harm, violation of public order, carrying illegal weapons, participating in the gatherings with the aim of overthrowing the Islamic Republic and enmity against the God and corruption on earth Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Articles of the criminal code: Articles 183, 186 & 187 - Article 610 –Article 499 First court decision: He was sentenced to seven years in exile. Last court decision: On 28th January 2015, the Supreme Court approved the initial sentence. He started his exile term on 5th April 2015.

Ebrahim FAZLI

Place of residence: Kavar county in Fars Province Date and place of arrest: September 2011 Charges: Activities against national security and disturbing the public order Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Last court decision: Sentenced in January 2014 to two years imprisonment by Kavar Court Other information: He was shot and injured after being attacked by religious extremists and Basij militia members during the attacks in Kavar. After hospitalization, he and two other wounded Dervishes were moved to an unknown place by plainclothes agents where they were reportedly been interrogated numerous times despite their critical health condition.

64 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016

Zabihollah GERDPOUR

Place of residence: Kavar County in Fars Province Date and place of arrest: September 2011 (released in anticipation of process) Charges: Involvement in a skirmish and causing physical harm, and violation of public order Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Last court decision: Sentenced in May 2014 to two years in prison and paying blood money (diyeh - to compensate the injuries caused to Basijs and plaincloth forces) by the 1st branch of the General court in Kavar.

Abdolghafour GHALANDARI NEJAD

Date and place of arrest: 6th August 2012 (first time) - 20th April 2013 (second time) in his home town Bandar Abbas – March 2014 (third time) Charges: Acting against national security, propagating against the regime, cooperating with Majzooban Noor Website and contact with foreign media, being a member of an anti-regime group with the intent to disturb the national security. Statement of the defendant: He is a Gonabad Dervish and one of the collaborators of Majzooban Noor website. Last court decision: In May 2014, he was sentenced to two years in prison by the Bandar Abbas Revolutionary Court. Place of detention: Bandar-Abbas prison

Mehidi GHANBARI

Place of residence: Kavar County in Fars Province Date and place of arrest: September 2011 (released in anticipation of process) Charges: Involvement in a skirmish and causing physical harm and violation of public order Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Last court decision: Sentenced in May 2014 to two years in prison and paying blood money (diyeh - to compensate the injuries caused to Basijs and plaincloth forces) by the 1st branch of the General court in Kavar.

Nasrollah GOLSHAN

Place of residence: Kavar County in Fars Province Date and place of arrest: September 2011 (released in anticipation of process) Charges: Involvement in a skirmish and causing physical harm and violation of public order Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order.

65 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Last court decision: Sentenced in May 2014 to two years in prison and paying blood money (diyeh - to compensate the injuries caused to Basijs and plaincloth forces) by the 1st branch of the General court in Kavar.

Ali KARAMI

Place of residence: Kavar County in Fars Province Date and place of arrest: September 2011 Charges: Conspiracy to disturb the social and national security" (Article 610 of the Islamic Penal code) Statement of the defendant: He contributed to the Sufi website Majzooban-e Noor (http://www.majzooban.org/en). Last court decision: In May 2014, he was sentenced to three years in prison by branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court presided over by judge Mohammadzadeh. Other information: He was arrested along with more than 15 other lawyers and managers of Majzooban Noor website (Nematollah Gonabadi Order News Site) in September 2011, in Tehran. He was released on bail after enduring more than one month behind bars in solitary confinement in Ward 209 of Evin prison.

Afshin KARAMPOUR

Date and place of arrest: September 2011 Charges: Membership in a sect endangering national security – Propaganda against the state – Insulting the Supreme Leader – Disturbing the public mind – Establishing and membership in a deviant group – Disrupting the public order Statement of the defendant: He contributed to the Sufi website Majzooban-e Noor (http://www.majzooban.org/en). Place of detention: Evin Prison, Tehran Last court decision: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court sentenced him to 7 years ½ in prison. Other information: Karampour chose not to appear or defend him himself in court, and refused to file appeal in protest against numerous pre-trial irregularities and ill-treatment in detention by Intelligence Ministry agents.

Asghar KARIMI

Place of residence: Kavar County in Fars Province Date and place of arrest: September 2011 Charges: Activities against national security and disturbing the public order Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Last court decision: Sentenced in January 2014 to two years imprisonment by Kavar Court Other information: He was shot and injured after being attacked by religious extremists and Basij militia members during the attacks in Kavar. After hospitalization, he and two other

66 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 wounded Dervishes were moved to an unknown place by plainclothes agents where they were reportedly been interrogated numerous times despite their critical health condition.

Mehrdad KESHAVARZ

Place of residence: Kavar County in Fars Province Date and place of arrest: September 2011 (released in anticipation of process) Charges: Involvement in a skirmish and causing physical harm and violation of public order Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Last court decision: Sentenced in May 2014 to three years in prison and paying blood money (diyeh - to compensate the injuries caused to Basijs and plaincloth forces) by the 1st branch of the General court in Kavar.

Ahmad-Reza KOUHI

Place of residence: Kavar County in Fars Province Date and place of arrest: September 2011 (released in anticipation of process) Charges: Involvement in a skirmish and causing physical harm and violation of public order Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Last court decision: Sentenced in May 2014 to two years in prison and paying blood money (diyeh - to compensate the injuries caused to Basijs and plaincloth forces) by the 1st branch of the General court in Kavar.

Abouzar MALEKPOUR

Place of residence: Kavar County in Fars Province Date and place of arrest: September 2011 (released in anticipation of process) Charges: Involvement in a skirmish and causing physical harm and violation of public order Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Last court decision: Sentenced in May 2014 to three years in prison and paying blood money (diyeh - to compensate the injuries caused to Basijs and plaincloth forces) by the 1st branch of the General court in Kavar.

Mehdi MARAND

Place of residence: Kavar County in Fars Province Date and place of arrest: September 2011 (released in anticipation of process) Charges: Involvement in a skirmish and causing physical harm and violation of public order Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Last court decision: Sentenced in May 2014 to two years in prison and paying blood money (diyeh - to compensate the injuries caused to Basijs and plaincloth forces) by the 1st branch of the General court in Kavar.

67 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Hamid MEHDIZADEH

Place of residence: Kavar County in Fars Province Date and place of arrest: September 2011 (released in anticipation of process) Charges: Involvement in a skirmish and causing physical harm and violation of public order Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Last court decision: Sentenced in May 2014 to two years in prison and paying blood money (diyeh - to compensate the injuries caused to Basijs and plaincloth forces) by the 1st branch of the General court in Kavar.

Ali MOAZZAMI

Date and place of arrest: 7th September 2011, in Sharivar; Released on bail in October 2011 Charges: Assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security Statement of the defendant: He was administrator of the Sufi website (http://www.majzooban.org/en). Articles of the criminal code: Articles 183, 186 & 187 - Article 610 – Article 498 - Article 499 Last court decisions: Sentenced to 2 years imprisonment on 23rd May 2013, upheld on appeal. Place of detention: Evin prison

Bakhshali MOHAMMADI

Date and place of arrest: 2004 in Oj Tappeh village of Miyandoab Charges: Enmity against the God Place of detention: Detained in Uremia prison until November 2013. On 4th November 2013, he was transferred to Yazd central prison. Last court decision: 13 years in prison / 15 years and 6 months in prison (different information from different sources) Other information: He was initially sentenced to death, but his sentence was overturned by the Supreme Court in September 2007.

Hamid-Reza MORADI SARVESTANI

Date and place of arrest: 4th September 2011 Charges: Membership in a sect endangering national security – Propaganda against the system (Clause 500) – Insulting the Supreme Leader (Clause 514) – Agitating the public consciousness (Clause 698) – Disruption of public order (Clause 618) Statement of the defendant: He contributed to the Sufi website Majzooban-e Noor (http://www.majzooban.org/en). Articles of the criminal code: Articles 183, 186 & 187 - Article 610 –Article 500 - Article 514 - Article 618 – Article 698

68 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Place of detention: Evin Prison, Tehran Last court decision: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court sentenced him to 10 years ½ in prison. Other information: He is the brother of Salehedin Moradi Sarvestani (see below).

Salehedin MORADI SARVESTANI

Date and place of arrest: He was first arrested in September 2011, and again on 25th February 2015. Charges: Inciting public opinion, disturbing the public order, propaganda against the regime, acting against national security. Statement of the defendant: He is a Dervishes rights activist. First court decision: Kavar’s Generl Court sentenced him to 2 years in exile and 30 lashes. The Revolutionary Court of Shiraz sentenced him to two years in prison and two years in exile. Last court decision: The initial verdict of Kavar’s General Court was upheld by the appeal court. The verdict of the Revolutionary Court is currently in the appeal court. Place of detention: Adel-Abad prison Other information: He is the brother of Hamid Reza Moradi Sarvestani (see above).

Karamat MORADI

Place of residence: Kavar County in Fars Province Date and place of arrest: September 2011 (released in anticipation of process) Charges: Involvement in a skirmish and causing physical harm and violation of public order Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Last court decision: Sentenced in May 2014 to two years in prison and paying blood money (diyeh - to compensate the injuries caused to Basijs and plaincloth forces) by the 1st branch of the General court in Kavar.

Behzad NOURI

Date and place of arrest: 10th September 2011, in Shiraz Charges: Membership in opposition group (Majzooban Noor) with the intent to disturb national security and propaganda against the Islamic Republic Last court decision: On 22nd July 2013, Branch 2 of Shiraz’s Revolutionary Court sentenced him to two years imprisonment, plus three years internal exile in Bushehr Province.

Farzaneh NOURI

Date and place of arrest: 10th September 2011, Shiraz

69 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Charges: Membership in opposition group (Majzooban Noor) with the intent to disturb national security and propaganda against the Islamic Republic Statement of the defendant: She is the mother of Farhad Nouri, a journalist with the Sufi news website Majzooban Noor (http://www.majzooban.org/en). Last court decision: On 22nd July 2013, Branch 2 of Shiraz’s Revolutionary Court sentenced her to two years imprisonment plus three years internal exile in Khuzestan province.

Kasra NOURI

Age: 22 years Place of residence: Shiraz Date and place of arrest: 14th March 2013 Charges: Affiliation with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order and various national security crimes concerning his activities with the Sufi website Statement of the defendant: He was administrator of the Sufi website http://www.majzooban.org/en. Place of detention: Shiraz's Nezam prison, Ward 8 Last court decision: Four years and four months in prison Date of release: 27th October 2015 Other information: Kasra Nouri, was arrested by security forces twice. He was first arrested on 11th January 2012, held in Shiraz Intelligence Office's Detention Center and Adel Abad prison for 46 days. He was released on bail. On 14th March 2012, he was again arrested because of interviews with foreign media. He is suffering from a terrible health condition (spinal disc, sciatic nerve pain, and respiratory disease).

Reza PISHKAR

Place of residence: Kavar County in Fars Province Date and place of arrest: September 2011 (released in anticipation of process) Charges: Involvement in a skirmish and causing physical harm and violation of public order Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Last court decision: Sentenced in May 2014 to two years in prison and paying blood money (diyeh - to compensate the injuries caused to Basijs and plaincloth forces) by the 1st branch of the General court in Kavar.

Behyar RAJABI

Place of residence: Kavar County in Fars Province Date and place of arrest: September 2011 (released in anticipation of process) Charges: Involvement in a skirmish and causing physical harm and violation of public order Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order.

70 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Last court decision: Sentenced in May 2014 to three years in prison and paying blood money (diyeh - to compensate the injuries caused to Basijs and plaincloth forces) by the 1st branch of the General court in Kavar.

Mohammad Ali SAADI

Place of residence: Kavar County in Fars Province Date and place of arrest: September 2011 Charges: Activities against national security and disturbing the public order Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Last court decision: Sentenced in January 2014 to two year’s imprisonment by Kavar Court.

Mohammad-Ali SADEGHI

Place of residence: Kavar County in Fars Province Date and place of arrest: 1st September 2011, in Kavar - 2nd time on 30th April 2013, released 13th May 2013 Charges: Membership in organisations that aim to disrupt national security (Clause 499) – Assembly and collusion against national security (Clause 610) - Enmity against God (Clauses 183, 186 and 187) Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Articles of the criminal code: Articles 183, 186 & 187 - Article 499 – Article 610 Place of detention: Adel Abad prison First court decision: In June 2014, he was sentenced to 7 years into exile in the city of Maragheh by branch 2 of Shiraz's Revolutionary Court. Last court decision: On 28th January 2015, the Supreme Court approved the initial sentence. He started his exile term on 5th April 2015.

Mohammad-Ali SHAMSHIRZAN

Place of residence: Kavar County in Fars Province Date and place of arrest: September 2011 (released in anticipation of process) Charges: Spreading corruption - Membership of illegal group - Assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security, causing physical harm and violation of public order, carrying illegal weapons and moharebeh (enmity with God) Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. First court decision: Sentenced in October 2013 to permanent exile in the province of Hormozgan (Bandar Abbas) by Branch 2 of the Revolution Court of Shiraz. Last court decision: On 28th January 2015, the Supreme Court approved the initial sentence. He started his exile term on 5th April 2015.

Farshid YADOLLAHI

71 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Date and place of arrest: September 2011 Charges: Membership in a sect endangering national security – Propaganda against the state – Insulting the Supreme Leader – Disturbing the public mind – Establishing and membership in a deviant group – Disrupting the public order Statement of the defendant: He contributed to the Sufi website Majzooban-e Noor (http://www.majzooban.org/en). Place of detention: Evin Prison, Tehran Last court decision: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court sentenced him to 7 years ½ in prison.

Mohammad-Reza ZAHEDIANSKISH

Place of residence: Kavar County in Fars Province Date and place of arrest: September 2011 (released in anticipation of process) Charges: Involvement in a skirmish and causing physical harm and violation of public order Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Last court decision: Sentenced in May 2014 to two years in prison and paying blood money (diyeh - to compensate the injuries caused to Basijs and plainclothes forces) by the 1st branch of the General court in Kavar.

Manouchehr ZARE

Place of residence: Kavar County in Fars Province Date and place of arrest: September 2011 (released in anticipation of process) Charges: Involvement in a skirmish and causing physical harm and violation of public order Statement of the defendant: He is affiliated with the Nematollahi Gonabadi Sufi Order. Last court decision: Sentenced in May 2014 to three years in prison and paying blood money (diyeh - to compensate the injuries caused to Basijs and plaincloth forces) by the 1st branch of the General court in Kavar.

Sufis/ Dervishes: Yarsan (Ahl-e hagh) Order

Collective arrest

Abdollah QASEMZADEH, Bakhsh Ali MOHAMMADI and Sahand Ali MOHAMMADI

Place of residence: West Azerbaijan Province Date of arrest: 2004 Charges: Enmity against God Statement of the defendants: They followed the Ahl-e Hagh faith. First court decision: They were sentenced to death.

72 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Last court decision: They were sentenced to 5 years imprisonment and a total of 400 million Tomans blood money. Place of detention: Urumia prison, on 4th November 2013; Sahand Ali Mohammadi was transferred to Ardakan prison; Bakhsh Ali Mohammadi was transferred to Yazd central prison.

Individual arrests

Younes AGHAYAN1

Age: 32 years Place of residence: Miandoab Date of arrest: October 2004 Charges: Carrying ammunition and arms, armed resistance against the Islamic Republic of Iran Statement of the defendant: He followed the Ahl-e Hagh faith. First court decision: In January 2005, branch 2 of Mahabad Revolutionary Court sentenced him to five years in prison and death. Last court decision: The Supreme Court confirmed the initial sentences. On 19th August 2015, his sentence was reduced to lifetime in prison when Iran's Supreme Leader declared an amnesty for some prisoners. Place of detention: Urumia Prison Other information: In October 2004, the police raided his village to remove signs with religious writings of Yari faith. He was arrested because he resisted the raid and confronted the police.

Sunni Muslims

The Report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran dated 13th March 20144 lists 88 Sunni Muslims (13 Baluchis and 75 Kurds) who were in prison in 2014: 31 were sentenced to death and are on the death row; 8 are serving prison terms ranging between 10 and 20 years; 25 got prison terms from 5 to 9 years, and all the others less than 5 years.

The official charges are usually: Enmity against God (Clauses 183, 186 & 187) – Assembly and collusion against national security (Clause 610) – Undermining national security (Clause 498) - Membership in organisations that aim to disrupt national security (Clause 499) – Espionage (Clause 501) – Involvement in Salafi and terrorist groups.

Mass arrests

4 See http://shaheedoniran.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/A-HRC-25-61-updated.pdf

73 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 33 Sunnis

Date of arrest: June and July 2009 Charges: Gathering against national security, propaganda against the regime, corruption on earth, and enmity against God Statement of the defendants: They were practicing or promoting their faith. First court decision: They were all sentenced to death by branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran, Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran and the Revolutionary Court of Sanandaj. Last court decision: The sentences of Shahram Ahmadi, Seyed Jamal Mousavi, Abdorahman Sangani, Sedigh Mohammadi, Seyed Hadi Hosseini Hamed Ahmadi, Kamal Molaee, Jamshid Dehghani, Sedigh Mohammadi and Seyed Hadi Hosseini were confirmed on appeal. On 4th March 2015, Mr. Hamed Ahmadi, Mr. Molaee, Mr. Dehghani, Mr. Mohammadi and Mr. Hosseini were executed. Place of detention: Most are in Raja’i Shahr and Ghezel Hesar prisons, in Karaj; Mr. Mousavi is in Sanandaj Prison. Other information: Their names are: Hamed Ahmadi, Shahram Ahmadi, Alam Barmashti, Jahangir Dehghani, Jamshid Dehghani, Seyed Shaho Ebrahimi, Varia Ghaderifard, Mohammad Gharibi, Seyed Abdol Hadi Hosseini, Farzad Honarjo, Mohammad Keyvan Karimi, Taleb Maleki, Kamal Molaee, Pouria Mohammadi, Keyvan Momenifard, Sedigh Mohammadi, Seyed Jamal Mousavi, Teymour Naderizadeh, Farshid Naseri, Ahmad Nasiri, Borzan Nasrollahzadeh, Idris Nemati, Omid Peyvand, Bahman Rahimi, Mokhtar Rahimi, Mohammadyavar Rahimi, Abdorahman Sangani, Amjad Salehi, Behrouz Shahnazari, Arash Sharifi, Kaveh Sharifi, Farzad Shahnazari, and Kaveh Veysi.

Davud ABDULLAHI, Khosro BESHARAT, Kamran SHEIKHA, Mamousta (Sheikh) Farhad SALIMI, Ghasem ABESTE, Ayub KARIMI and Anvar KHEZRI

Date and place of arrest: 2009 Charges: Acting against national security Statement of the defendant: They were preaching Sunni Islam. First court decision: On 15th September 2013, branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran acquitted Kamran Sheikhah, Khozro Besharat and Anvar Khezri yet they remained imprisoned of all charges. Place of detention: Rajai Shahr prison, in Karaj Other information: Officially, the remaining prisoners have not been convicted of any crime but the Iranian authorities try to find charges that would carry the death penalty. Prison officials informed them that the reason why they had not faced trial yet, more than six years after their arrest, was because their case had been archived by the Ministry of Intelligence.5

5 http://sunniprisonersiran.com/seven-sunni-prisoners-of-conscience-face-ongoing-uncertainty-about-their-case-iran/

74 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Individual arrests

Abdollah ABADIAN

Age : 23 years Place of residence: Zahedan Date of arrest: March 2012 Statement of the defendant: Preaching Sunni Islam Place of detention: Central prison of Zahedan prison Other information: Some sources say he was arrested at the age of 16, in order to pressure his detained father into making false confessions. He is the son of Malek Mohammad Abadian (see below).

Malek Mohammad ABADIAN

Age: 53 years Place of residence: Zahedan Date of arrest: March 2012 Statement of the defendant: He preached Sunni Islam. First court decision: He was sentenced to death. Last court decision: The Supreme Court overturned the sentence. Place of detention: Zahedan prison Other information: He was subjected to torture in detention and pressurized to make false confessions. He is the father of Abdollah Abadian (see above).

Tohid GHOREISHI-Hafez

Date of arrest: September 2014 Statement of the defendant: He preached Sunni Islam. First court decision: Ten years in prison Last court decision: Seven years in prison Place of detention: Raja’I Shahr prison in Karaj

Molavi Abdolghafar NAGHSHBANDI

Place of residence: Zahedan Date of arrest: March 2012 Statement of the defendant: He preached Sunni Islam. First court decision: On 24th December 2013, he was sentenced to 13 years in prison and exile to Ardabil. Last court decision: The Supreme Court overturned the sentences. Place of detention: Zahedan prison Other information: He is the son of Molavi Fathi Mohammad Naghshbandi (see below).

75 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016

Molavi Fathi Mohammad NAGHSHBANDI

Place of residence: Zahedan Date of arrest: March 2012 Statement of the defendant: He preached Sunni Islam. First court decision: The Revolutionary Court of Zahedan sentenced him to 15 years in prison and exile to Khalkhal. Last court decision: In January 2015, the Supreme Court revoked the sentences issued against him. Date of release: On 16th May 2015, he was released on bail. Other information: Mr. Naghshbandi is a prominent Sunni scholar, and Imam of Friday prayers in the city of Rask. He is the father of Molavi Abdolghafar Naghshbandi (see above).

Edrees NEMATI

Date and place of arrest: 9th March 2011 Charges: Enmity against God Statement of the defendant: He preached Sunni Islam. Last court decision: He was sentenced to death by Branch 28 of the Revolutionary court of Tehran. Place of detention: Rajai Shahr prison, Karaj Other information: He was tortured and forced to make filmed confessions that were broadcasted on state television.

Naser PIRI

Date and place of arrest: 11th August 2014 in Zahedan Statement of the defendant: He preached Sunni Islam. Last court decision: Islamic Revolutionary Court of Sanandaj sentenced him to five years in prison. Place of detention: Sanandaj Central Prison Other information: Mr. Piri previously had been arrested once before and was under investigation for approximately 15 months by the Ministry of Intelligence in Sanandaj. After being released on bail, he was acquitted of the charges.

Shi’a Muslims

Soheil ARABI

Age: 31 years Date and place of arrest: November 2013

76 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Charges: Insulting the Prophet Muhammad - Insulting the Supreme Leader on his Facebook page First court decision: On 30th August 2014, branch 76 of the Criminal Court of Tehran sentenced him to death for insulting the Prophet. In the meantime, he was serving a 7 ½ year prison term for insulting the Supreme Leader. Last court decision: In September 2015, a higher court annulled his death sentence, but ruled that he should read and summarize thirteen books on theology and Islam, and study theology for two years, as part of his new sentence. Place of detention: Ward number 350 of Evin prison

Ayatollah Mohammad Kazemeni BOROUJERDI

Date of arrest: October 2006 Charges: Enmity against God and spreading propaganda against the regime Statement of the defendant: He was advocating the separation of religion and state, and speaking out on behalf of the rights of Iran‘s religious minorities as well as those of the Shi‘a Muslim majority. First court decision: In 2007, a Special Clerical Court sentenced him to death. Last court decision: Sentenced to 11 years in prison Place of detention: Evin Prison’s Ward for the clergy Other information: In addition to the imprisonment, the government banned him from practicing his clerical duties, and confiscated his home and belongings. During his imprisonment he was threatened several times with execution.

Hesameddin FARZIZADEH

Place of residence: Meshkinsharh Charges: Insulting the Prophet Mohammad and Ayatollah Khomeini First court decision: The Criminal Court of Meshkinshahr in Ardabil province sentenced him to seven years of in prison and 74 lashes and death (for apostasy). Last court decision: Pending Place of detention: Meshkinshahr Prison Other information: The charge of apostasy stems from a book written by him, entitled “From Islam to Islam”, in which he examines the history of Shi’a Islam and raises questions about certain facets of Shi’a beliefs.

Amir GOLESTANI

Date and place of arrest: 20th August 2013, in Tehran Charges: Propaganda against the regime, insulting the Supreme Leader, publishing obscene photographs, conspiracy and blasphemy

77 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 First court decision: Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court sentenced him to 20 years and 1 day in prison. Last court decision: The initial verdict was upheld by the Appeals Court.

Ayatollah Mohammad Reza NEKOUNAM

Date and place of arrest: January 2015, Qom Charges: Insulting a religious figure Statement of the defendant: He criticized the fatwa that was issued by Ayatollah Makaram Shirazi against high speed Internet. Last court decision: A Special Clerical Court sentenced him to five years in prison. Place of detention: Evin Prison’s Ward for the clergy

Seyed Masoud SEYED TALEBI

Date of arrest: 23rd November 2013 Charges: Gathering and collusion against national security, propaganda against the regime, blasphemy First court decision: 15 years and 1 day in prison Last court decision: Branch 28 of the Islamic Revolutionary Court sentenced him to 20 years and 1 day in prison. Other information: His case was considered as an incomplete case in the branch 54 of the Appeal Court, and then was sent to the branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court. In this court, a new charge of blasphemy was added to the verdict.

Zoroastrians

Mojtaba AHMADI

Date of arrest: December 2009 Charges: Blasphemy, conspiracy and anti-regime propaganda Court decision: In May 2010, he was sentenced to 6 years in prison: blasphemy (3 years), conspiracy and anti-regime propaganda (3 years). Other information: Mojtaba Ahmadi is the cousin of Mohsen (see below).

Ebrahim (Nader) BABAIE ZEYDI

Date and place of arrest: November 2011, after having been released on bail in January 2010 Charges: Propaganda against the regime, acting against national security Last court decision: Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court sentenced him to 6 years and 9 months in prison.

78 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Place of detention: Rajaie Shahr prison in Karaj Other information: He has sustained injuries from the eight-year Iran-Iraq war.

Mohsen SADEGHIPOUR

Date of arrest: December 2009 Charges: Anti-regime propaganda favoring the Zoroastrian faith, insulting Islamic practices, insulting the Supreme Leader and promoting activities against the Islamic Republic through the propagation of Zoroastrianism and disrupting the public order First court decision: In 2011, branch 26 of Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced him to four and a half years in prison, 74 lashes and a fine. Last court decision: Branch 54 of Tehran Appeals Court upheld the sentence in its entirety. Place of detention: Evin Prison, Tehran

Baha’is

In his latest report dated 12th March 2015, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran published a list of 74 Baha’is in prison6, all on false or fabricated charges. Our list comprises 44 documented cases.

The official charges are usually: Forming an illegal cult - Acting against national security – Espionage – Propaganda against the regime - Posing a threat to the holy regime of the Islamic Republic by teaching Bahaist ideas through communication with the usurper country of Israel – Plotting overthrow - Membership in an anti-Islamic group – Membership in illegal groups and assemblies - Membership in the deviant sect of Baha’ism with the goal of taking action against the security of the country, in order to further the aims of the deviant sect and those of organisations outside the country.

It appears that Baha’is are almost exclusively prosecuted for participation in their community affairs, including by facilitating educational services and publicly engaging in religious practices, such as attending devotional gatherings.

A number of prisoners are lecturers or work for the Bahá'í Institute for Higher Education, an organisation aiming to provide higher education to Baha’is, as they are often barred from attending Iran’s other universities.

Collective arrests

Fariba KAMALABADI, Jamaloddin KHANJANI, Afif NAEMI, Saeid REZAIE, Mahvash SABET, Behrouz TAVAKKOLI and Vahid TIZFAHM

6 See Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran (A/HRC/28/70) (Advance Unedited Version)

79 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016

Age: Khanjani (82 years), Naemi (53 years), Rezaie (56 years), Sabet (62 years), Kamalabadi (52 years), Tavakkoli (63 years) and Tizfahm (42 years) Date and place of arrest: Sabet was arrested on 5th May 2008, all other on 14th May 2008 in Tehran and Mashhad Charges: Espionage, propaganda against the regime, assembly and collusion against national security Statement of the defendant: Leaders of the Baha’i community First court decision: In August 2010, they were sentenced to 20 years in prison (the longest terms of any current prisoners of conscience in Iran). Last court decision: The sentences were upheld by the appeals court. In November 2015, the sentences of these seven prisoners were reduced to 10 years in prison. Place of detention: Evin prison and Rajaee Shahr prison Other information: In September 2010, the authorities verbally informed the seven Baha’is that their 20 years sentences were reduced to 10 years. Then, March 2011, prison authorities told them in that their initial 20 years sentences had been reinstated. On 22th April 2015, Iranian police demolished the home belonged to Mr. Khanjani in Semnan.

Mahmoud BADAVAM, Noushin KHADEM, Farhad SEDGHI, Ramin ZIBAIE and Kamran MORTEZAIE

Age: Badavam (62 years), Khadem (52 years), Sedghi (68 years), Zibaie (48 years) and Mortezaie (63 years) Date and place of arrest: 22nd May 2011, in Tehran and Karaj (Alborz) Charges: Membership in a deviant sect with the goal of taking action against the security of the country Statement of the defendants: They were involved with the Baha‘i Institute for Higher Education. Place of detention: Gohardasht Court decisions: On 21st September 2011, Sedghi was sentenced to four years in prison. On 25th September 2011, Mortezaie was sentenced to five years in prison. On 27th September 2011, Badavam and Khadem were sentenced to four years in prison. Date of release: All the above mentioned people were released in April 2015 except Mortezaie.

Rozita VASEGHI, Davar NABILZADEH, Jalayer VAHDAT and Sima ESHRAGHI (Aghdaszadeh)

Date and place of arrest: Vaseghi was arrested on 16th March 2010; Nabilzadeh on 13th July 2010; Vahdat and Eshraghi on 24th October 2010. All were arrested in Mashhad, Razavi Khorasan. Charges: Undermining national security and propaganda against the government through membership in and promoting the Baha’i faith Place of detention: Mashhad

80 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 First court decision: Sentenced to five years in prison. Last court decision: Appeal launched Date of release: Vaseghi was released on 21st January 2015, Vahdat on 17th May 2015, Nabilzadeh on 27th April 2015, Eshraghi on 2nd June 2015.

Iman RASHIDI and Shabnam MOTAHED (A couple)

Place of residence: Yazd Date and place of arrest: 18th March 2015 Charges: Propaganda against the regime Statement of the defendant: Baha’i membership Last court decision: Mr. Rashidi was sentenced to three years in prison and a one-year suspended prison; Mrs. Motahed was sentenced to two years in prison and a one-year suspended prison. Place of detention: Central prison in Yazd

Fardin AGHSANI and Farahnaz MOGHADAM (A couple)

Place of residence: Urumieh, a city in the north of Iran Date of arrest: 30th January 2013 (they were released on bail after a few months) Charges: Propaganda against the Islamic Republic, attracting Muslims, conspiracy and plotting through membership in the Baha’i Assembly Statement of the defendant: They were teaching the Baha’i faith. First court decision: In spring 2014, branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court sentenced each of them to six years in prison. Last court decision: The appeals court reduced the initial sentences to three years in prison. Place of detention: Urumieh Prison. Mr. Aghsani and Mrs. Moghaddam have begun serving their sentences on 4th December 2014 and 10th December 2014 respectively. Date of release: It was reported that Mr. Aghsani was released in July 2015. In this case, it is probable that the court considered his time in prison in Iraq during the Iran-Iraq war.

Nika KHOLOUSI and Nava KHOLOUSI

Place of residence: Mashhad Date of arrest: 30th May 2014 Charges: Propaganda against the regime Statement of the defendant: They participated in Baha’i activities. Article of the criminal code: Articles 499 and 500 First court decision: Nika was sentenced to six years in prison and Nava to four years and a half. Last court decision: The initial verdict was confirmed by branch 20 of the Appeals Court of Khorasan Razavi. Place of detention: Vakilabad prison

81 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Other information: They are the daughters of Mr. Kholousi (see below).

Taraneh TORABI and an infant child

Date and place of arrest: 22nd September 2012 in Sangsar, Semnan Charges: Organising an illegal group with the goal of aiding the Islamic Republic’s enemies - Membership in an illegal organisation with the goal of attracting Muslims and preaching against the Islamic Republic and propaganda against the Islamic Republic Statement of the defendant: She was organising classes for Bahá’í children. First court decision: Sentenced to five years and ten months in prison. Last court decision: On appeal the sentence was commuted to 20 months in prison. Place of detention: Semnan Prison Other information: Married to Erfan Eshani (see above), with a child born during her imprisonment

Individual cases

Sonia AHMADI

Date and place of arrest: 2nd November 2009, Mashhad Charges: Acting against national security and spreading propaganda against the Islamic Republic Statement of the defendant: Baha’i membership Article of the criminal code: Articles 499 and 500 Last court decision: Five years in prison. She started serving her sentence in September 2012. Place of detention: Vakilabad prison in Mashhad Other information: She was released on 10th January 2014 from Vakilabad prison with the promise that she would be given her complete freedom. However, on April 10 2014, she was summoned to the Vakilabad prison to continue serving her sentence.

Nasim ASHRAFI

Date and place of arrest: 6th May 2013, Tehran Charges: Propaganda against the system Statement of the defendant: She was organizing Baha’ism classes. First court decision: In June 2013, she was sentenced to three years in prison. Last court decision: On 19th October 2013, she was sentenced to one year in prison but she started serving her sentence on 6th May 2014. Place of detention: Women’s Ward of Evin Prison Date of release: 8th April 2015

82 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Other information: She suffers from serious disease and lack of medical treatment in prison. Due to her situation, Examiner’s Medical Office issued an opinion explaining that imprisonment for Nasim Ashrafi is physically ‘intolerable’.

Fariba ASHTARI

Date and place of arrest: 21st February 2015, Yazd Charges: Propaganda against the regime Last court decision: The Revolutionary Court of Yazd sentenced her to two years in prison with one year of a suspended sentence. Place of detention: Central prison of Yazd

Hamid AZIZI

Place of residence: Hamadan, a city in central Iran Place and date of arrest: 21st October 2014, in Hamadan (after 10 days, he was released on $35,000 bail) Charges: Propaganda against the regime in the form of supporting opposition groups Statement of the defendant: He was teaching the Baha’i faith. First court decision: Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court in Hamadan sentenced him to one year in prison. He started serving his sentence on 10th June 2015. Last court decision: The appeal court upheld the initial sentence. Place of detention: Hamadan prison Date of release: 26th December 2015

Farah BAGHI

Place of residence: Yazd Date of arrest: August 2012 (released on bail) Charges: Propaganda against the regime Statement of the defendant: Peaceful practice of the Baha'i faith Last court decision: She was sentenced to one year in prison and a one-year suspended sentence by branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court in Yazd. She started serving her sentence on 10th February 2015. Place of detention: Yazd central prison Other information: She is the sister of Mr. Fariborz Baghi (see below).

Fariborz BAGHI

Place of residence: Yazd Date and place of arrest: August 2012 (released on bail) Charges: Acting against national security and propaganda against the regime Statement of the defendant: Peaceful practice of the Baha'i faith Last court decision: Two years in prison. He started serving his sentence on 7th March 2015.

83 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Other information: He is the brother of Farah Baghi (see above).

Shahram CHINIYAN

Place of residence: Tehran Date of arrest: He was first arrested in March 2009 and released on bail on 3rd March 2010. Charges: Insulting Islam First court decision: He was sentenced to eight years in prison and 70 lashes. Last court decision: The initial verdict was upheld by the Appeals Court. He started serving his sentence in March 2012. Place of detention: Rajai Shahr prison

Khosro DEHGHANI

Place of residence: Isfahan Date of arrest: 29th July 2012 (released on bail in August 2012), rearrested on 5th March 2015 First court decision: Three years in prison with one year suspended sentence Last court decision: On 23rd April 2014 the Appeals Court upheld the initial sentence. Place of detention: Isfahan prison

Shahab DEHGHANI

Place of residence: Tehran Date of arrest: First arrested on 11th July 2012 and freed on bail in August 2012 Charges: Propaganda against the regime Statement of the defendant: Baha’i membership First court decision: Branch 28 of the Islamic Revolutionary Court in Tehran sentenced him to four years in prison. He started serving his sentence on 24th May 2014. Last court decision: The appeals court upheld the sentence. Place of detention: Raja’i Shahr prison in Karaj Other information: Married to Shomeis Mohajer (see below).

Mehran ESLAMI

Date and place of arrest: 4th April 2015 in Yazd Charges: Propaganda against the regime Last court decision: One year in prison with one year suspended sentence. Place of detention: Yazd prison

Shahram ESHRAGHI

Place of residence: Isfahan

84 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Statement of the defendant: Baha’i membership First court decision: o1 eiSo e Su eo1 d1aS aeiSovnC ySane Su ove e1oe1o 1 oit eSfour years in prison with one year suspended sentence. Last court decision: On 16th April 2014 the provincial Appeals Court upheld the sentence. He started serving his sentence on 11th October 2015. Place of detention: Isfahan prison

Shamim ETTEHADI

Place of residence: Yadz Date of arrest: March 2013 Charges: Propaganda against the regime and acting against national security Statement of the defendant: He broadcasted a video of the destruction of the Baha’is graveyard to a foreign TV channel. Last court decision: On 16th June 2013, the Revolutionary Court of Yazd sentenced him to 5 years in prison. Other information: He was first arrested in 2011 and sentenced to 91 days of prison in March 2012. The appeal court changed it to 3 years of suspended prison. He is the son of Mrs. Azam Motahari (see below).

Shahram FALLAH

Place of residence: Kerman Statement of defendant: Baha’i membership Date of arrest: 31st January 2015 Place of detention: Kerman prison Last court decision: Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Yazd sentenced him to three years in prison with a one year suspended sentence.

Naqme FARABI

Place of residence: Najafabad (Isfahan) Date of arrest: March 2015 Place of residence: Isfahan Last court decision: In May 2014, she was sentenced to two years in prison with one year suspended sentence by the Revolutionary Court of Yazd. Place of detention: Yazd prison

Saba GOLSHAN

Place of residence: Isfahan Statement of the defendant: Baha’i membership

85 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 First court decision: Section 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Yazd sentenced him to five years in prison with one year suspended sentence. Last court decision: On 16th April 2014, the provincial Appeals Court upheld the sentence. He started serving his sentence on 12th August 2015. Place of detention: Isfahan prison

Navidi HAGHIGHI

Place of residence: Arak Date and place of arrest: 31st July 2012 Charges: Propaganda against the regime and acting against national security Statement of the defendant: Baha’i membership Last court decision: Islamic Revolutionary Court of Yazd sentenced him to three years in prison with one year suspended sentence. He started serving his sentence on 31st January 2015. Place of detention: Arak prison Date of release: January 2016 (on parole)

Sassan HAGHIRI

Place of residence: Isfahan Charges: Propaganda against the regime, conspiracy against national security First court decision: One year in prison with one year suspended sentence. Last court decision: In April 2014 the initial verdict was upheld by the Appeals Court. Place of detention: Isfahan’s central prison

Faran HESAMI

Age: 41 years Date and place of arrest: Summer 2011, Tehran Charges: Conspiracy and assembly with the intention to act against the national security by membership in the perverse Baha’i sect Statement of the defendant: Involvement with the Baha‘i Institute for Higher Education. She was a lecturer at the Baha’i Online University. Articles of the criminal code: Articles 499 and 610 First court decision: Sentenced to four years in prison on 9th May 2012 by branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court. Last court decision: Judge Movahed of branch 54 of the appeals court upheld the sentence in the summer of 2012. Place of detention: Hesami was in Evin prison, Tehran, for 77 days after she was summoned to Branched Five of the Evin Prison Court in the summer 2011. She was then released on bail of about $95,000. On 12th July 2012, Hesami was arrested without having been notified about the outcome of her appeal, as she appeared at Evin prison court to follow up on the case of her husband.

86 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Other information: She is the wife of Kamran Rahimian (see below).

Afshin IGHANI

Date and place of arrest: He was first arrested on 5th January 2010 and released on bail on 28th February 2010. Charges: Disturbing national security and propaganda against the regime First court decision: Semnan Revolutionary Court sentenced him to four years and three months and one day in prison. Last court decision: The Appeal Court upheld the initial verdict. He started serving his sentence on 12th September 2011. Place of detention: Semnan prison Date of release: 25th December 2015

Fouad KHANJANI

Place of residence: Tehran Date and place of arrest: He was arrested on 27th April 2010 and released on bail a few days later. Charges: Baha’i membership First court decision: Branch 28 of Revolutionary Court sentenced him to four years in prison, but he started serving his sentence on 17th January 2012. Last court decision: Branch 54 of appeals court upheld the initial verdict. Place of detention: Raja’i Shahr prison Date of release: 14th December 2015 Other information: He is the grandson of Jamaloddin Khanjani. He was already banned from continuing his education.

Manuchehr KHOLOUSI

Place of residence: Mashhad Date and place of arrest: November 29th 2013 Charges: Propaganda against the regime Statement of the defendant: He was teaching the Baha’i faith. Last court decision: On 8th July 2014 the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad sentenced him to six years in prison. Place of detention: Minab prison Other information: In 1999, Mr. Kholousi was sentenced to death for being a Baha’i. This sentence was reduced to one year in prison in the appeal court. He is the father of Nika and Nava Kholousi.

Vahed KHOLOUSI

87 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Date of arrest: First arrested in March 2010 and later freed on bail Charges: Collaboration and conspiracy to commit crimes against national security, membership in the Baha’i Faith and active participation in affairs of that community and contributing to its spread, propaganda against the regime of the Islamic Republic Statement of the defendant: Membership and active participation in organizations defending both the right to education and human rights. First court decision: In June 2011, he was sentenced to five years in prison by branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran. Last court decision: The initial sentence was upheld by the Appeals Court. He started serving his sentence on 13th September 2015. Place of detention: Hall 12 of Section 4 in Rajai Shahr prison Other information: Mr. Vahed Kholousi is a civil rights activist. He was expelled from the university because of his Baha’i membership.

Farahnaz MISAQIAN

Place of residence: Yazd Date of arrest: 6th April 2015 Last court decision: One year in prison and one year suspended sentence

Shomeis MOHAJER

Place of residence: Tehran Date of arrest: July 2012 Charges: Propaganda against the regime Statement of the defendant: Baha’i membership First court decision: Branch 28 of the Islamic Revolutionary Court in Tehran sentenced her to one year in prison. She started serving her sentence on 28th June 2014. Last court decision: The appeal court upheld the sentence. Place of detention: Evin prison Date of release: 28th May 2015 Other information: Married to Mr. Dehghani

Amanollah MOSTAGHIM

Place of residence: Shiraz Date and place of arrest: 20th May 2013 (first arrested in June 2011 and later released on bail) Charges: Baha’i membership Article of the criminal code: Article 499 First court decision: 5 years imprisonment Last court decision: The initial verdict was upheld by the branch 28 of the Tehran’s Revolutionary Court. He started serving his sentence on 20th May 2013.

88 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Place of detention: Ward 4, Hall 12 of Rajaie Shahr Prison Date of release: 29th October 2015 (due to his critical health condition) Other information: He is member of the Baha’is Sciences Institute of Iran (BIHE). Due to his critical health situation, doctors say that Mr. Mostaghim cannot tolerate prison conditions as he suffers from diabetes and heart disease.

Azam MOTAHARI

Place of residence: Yazd, a city in central Iran Date of arrest: August 2012 Charges: Propaganda against the regime and participation in Baha’i community activities Last court decision: One year in prison Place of detention: Central prison of Yazd Other information: She is the mother of Shamim Ettehadi.

Adel NAEIMI

Age: 63 years e v 1 Su n1ei 1o 1: Tehran Date and place of arrest: July 2012, Tehran Charges: Baha’i membership and propaganda against the regime Statement of the defendant: Peaceful practice of their Baha'i faith Last court decision: On 24th April 2013, branch 28 of Revolutionary Court sentenced him to eleven years in prison. Place of detention: Rajai-Shahr prison, Karaj Other information: He is the older brother of Afif Naemi.

Kamran RAHIMIAN

Date and place of arrest: 14th September 2011 in Tehran Charges: Using falsely obtained degrees, illegal counselling, running illegal classes, defrauding the public Statement of the defendant: Involvement with the Baha‘i Institute for Higher Education. He was a lecturer at the Baha’i Online University. Articles of the criminal code: Articles 499 and 610 Place of detention: Gohardasht Court decision: Sentenced to four years in prison by Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court Date of release: 17th August 2015 Other information: Spouse of Faran Hesami

Kayvan RAHIMIAN

Age: 52 years

89 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Date and place of arrest: Arrested on 14th September 2011 and released on bail on 21st September 2011, Tehran Charges: Assembly and collusion with intent to commit acts of crime against national security, membership in the perverse Baha’i sect Statement of the defendant: Involvement with the Baha‘i Institute for Higher Education. He was a lecturer at the Baha’i Online University. Court decision: Sentenced on 12th June 2012 to five years in prison and a fine of approximately 8,000 USD/ 6,000 EUR Place of detention: Evin Prison, Tehran

Didar RAOUFI

Age: 39 years Date and place of arrest: 16th October 2011, in Tehran Place of detention: First in Evin Prison in Tehran. On 5th August 2012, he was transfered to Rajaie Shahr Prison. First court decision: 12th February 2011, sentenced to three years in prison

Tahereh REZAIE

Place of residence: Isfahan Date of arrest: October 19th 2015 Statement of the defendant: Baha’i membership First court decision: Court of Yazd sentenced her to one year in prison with a one year suspended sentence. Last court decision: On 16th April 2014, the provincial Appeals Court upheld the sentence. Place of detention: Yazd prison

Azizollah SAMANDARI

Age: 56 years Date and place of arrest: 7th July 2012 in Tehran Charges: Being an active member of the perverse Baha’i sect with the intention to act against the national security Place of detention: Evin prison, Tehran First court decision: Sentenced on 4th October 2011 to five years in prison. Last court decision: In February 2012, the verdict was upheld by the appeal court.

Riaz’ullah SOBHANI

Date and place of arrest: 14th June 2011, in Tehran Charges: Membership in a deviant sect with the goal of taking action against the security of the country

90 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Statement of the defendants: He as involved with the Baha‘i Institute for Higher Education. Place of detention: Gohardasht Last court decision: Four years in prison Date of release: 25th May 2015

Shahrokh TAEF

Age: 59 years Date and place of arrest: 14th January 2009 (released on bail on 18th March 2009) in Tehran Charges: Baha’i membership First court decision: On 13th February 2011, he was sentenced to four years in prison by branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran Last court decision: The initial verdict was upheld by the Appeals Court on 16th January 2012. He started serving his sentence on 17th January 2012. Place of detention: Rajai Shahr prison Date of release: 25th July 2015

Behrouz Azizi TAVAKKOLI

Age: 64 years Date and place of arrest: 14th May 2008, in his home in Tehran Charges: Espionage, propaganda against the Islamic republic, and establishment of an illegal administration. Last court decision: 20 years in prison

Susan TEBYANIAN

Place of residence: Semnan Date and place of arrest: 31st May 2014 Charges: Propaganda against the regime Statement of the defendant: Peaceful demonstration of freedom of religion Last court decision: On 7th August 2014, she was sentenced to one year in prison. Date of release: 2nd November 2015 Other information: In 2005 Mrs. Tebyanian wrote a letter directly to the President (at that time Mr. Khatami) and openly criticized the government’s policy towards Baha’is. Because of this letter she was accused of propaganda against regime, and subsequently arrested and sentenced to a 91-day prison term, which was suspended. In May 2010, she was sentenced to 18 months in prison on the same charge. She started serving her sentence on 1st July 2010 in Evin prison. On 27th August 2011, she was granted clemency.

Erfan-e Halghe

91 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Mass Arrest

According to Fars News Agency, on 6th February 2015, 40 followers of Erfan-e Halghe were arrested. Among them, 16 instructors of this spiritual movement were convicted of committing crimes. They were sentenced to a total of 37 years in prison for insulting the sacred and to fines amounting to 130 million Toman for acquiring illicit wealth. According to HRANA News Agency, the same thing happened on 24th August 2015, in Qom, when after nine days of peaceful protest against the death sentence of Taheri (founder of Erfan-e Halghe in Iran), a group of Halghe activists was arrested. Twelve of them have been identified so far: Naimeh TAGHAVI, Mahnaz FARHAD, Azimeh SEPEHRI, Arezo Moghadam SEPEHR, Soraya AHDI, Naimeh AHDI, Arezo AHDI, Hayedeh DERAKHSHANI, Mahmoud Amin AKHONDI, Bharin ASGARIEH, and Mary AMIRI.

Individual Arrests

Mohammadreza AFSHAR

Date and place of arrest: 29th June 2015, Tehran Charges: Blasphemy, obtaining illicit wealth, and interference in medical affairs Statement of the defendant: Trainer of the “Course of Erfan-e Halgheh” Last court decision: 2 years in prison and a 50 million Tomans fine Place of detention: Evin Prison

Fahime A’RAFI

Date of arrest: 25th August 2015 Charges: Insulting the sanctities Statement of the defendant: Peaceful demonstration for freedom of religion First court decision: Five years in prison Last court decision: The initial sentence was upheld by branch 54 of the Appeals Court. Place of detention: Gharchak prison in Varamin

Saeed ARDESHIR

Date and place of arrest: 16th September 2015, Tehran Charges: Insulting the sanctities Statement of the defendant: Peaceful demonstration for freedom of religion First court decision: Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court sentenced him to five years in prison. Last court decision: Branch 54 of the Appeals Court upheld the initial verdict. Place of detention: Evin prison

92 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Mohammad Ali TAHERI

Date of birth: 1956 Date and place of arrest: 4th May 2011, Tehran Charges: Corruption on earth, insulting the sacred Statement of the defendant: He was treating patients, and researching about inter- universalist alternative medicine. Article of the criminal code: Article 513 of the Penal Code First court decision: On 30th October 2011, branch 26 of Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced Taheri to five years in prison for “blasphemy”. Additionally, he was sentenced to 74 lashes for “touching female patients,” and 900 million Toman fines (i.e. approximately $300,000) for “interfering in medical science’’. Last court decision: The second hearing was held on 11th March 2015, under the charge of ‘’Efsad fel Arz’’ (corruption on earth). However, under request of the judicial system three Marja-e Taghlid (religious authorities) confirmed Taheri’s apostasy crime that resulted in his sentence to death penalty. Place of detention: Section 2A of Evin Prison Other information: Taheri has been arrested several times. In 2010, he was arrested under the accusation of “acting against national security.” He was released after 67 days in solidarity confinement. In a letter addressed to Ahmad Shaheed - UN Special Rapporteur - and that was published on 8th July 2014, he explained his critical situation in detail. In November 2014, he went on a dry hunger strike to protest against his three and a half years of isolation.

Mohammad TAJIK PAZOUKI

Date and place of arrest: June 2015, Tehran Charges: Insulting the sanctities Statement of the defendant: Peaceful demonstration for freedom of religion First court decision: Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court sentenced him to five years in prison. Last court decision: Branch 54 of the Appeals Court upheld the initial verdict. Place of detention: Evin prison

Ziba POUR-HABIB

Age: 56 years Date of arrest: 25th August 2015 Charges: Insulting the sanctities Statement of the defendant: Peaceful demonstration for freedom of religion First court decision: Three years in prison Last court decision: The initial sentence was upheld by branch 54 of the appeals court. Place of detention: Evin prison

93 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Other information: She is the teacher of Erfan-e Halghe.

Ardeshir SHAHNAVAZ

Date and place of arrest: 27th June 2015, Tehran Charges: Blasphemy, acquiring illicit wealth, interference in medical affairs Statement of the defendant: Supporter of the “Course of Erfan-e Halgheh” Last court decision: Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court sentenced him to 5 years imprisonment and a 30 million Tomans fine. Place of detention: Rajai Shahr (or Evin Prison)

Masoumeh ZIA

Age: 38 years old Date and place of arrest: 8th October 2014 Charges: Disturbing public order Statement of defendant: She participated in a peaceful gathering. First court decision: On 7th February 2015, Branch 26 of Islamic Revolutionary Court sentenced her to one year in prison and 74 lashes. Last court decision: Branch 54 of the Appeal Court upheld the initial sentence.

KAZAKHSTAN

Protestant

Yklas KABDUAKASOV

Age: 54 years Date of arrest: 14th August 2015 Charges: Spreading “incitement of social, national, clan, racial or religious discord” Article of the criminal code: Criminal Code Article 174, Part 2 Place of detention: Arrested in Astana Other information: Yklas, a Seventh-day Adventist, discussed his faith and offered Christian books to others. He was arrested by the National Security Committee (KNB), which had been closely monitoring him for a year. He faces between five and ten years imprisonment.

Tablighi Jamaat

Collective arrests

94 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 UMARBEKOV, KHORAGILDINOV, KHAURIN, NURADILOV, Gubaidulla TOLEUBAYEV

Date of arrest: Toleubayev was arrested on 29th September and all the others on 23rd September 2015. Charges: Activity in a banned organization Article of the criminal code: Criminal Code Article 405, Part 1 Last court decision: Sentenced to two months pre-trial detention, awaiting possible trial on criminal charges which carry a maximum six-year prison sentence. Place of detention: Astana, Raion Saryarka

Bakitkali KONIRBAYEV, Samat SHADMANOV, Adi BAKYT

Age: 49; 40; 36 years Place of residence: Aktobe Date of arrest: 19th December 2014 Charges: Members of Tabligh Jamaat, a banned organization Article of criminal code: Criminal Code Article 405, Part 2 Last court decision: On 29th April 2015, they were sentenced to two years of restricted freedom (the amount they will have to serve will be reduced because of the four months ten days they spent in pre-trial imprisonment).

Individual arrests

Orazbek APAKASHEV

Date and place of arrest: 29th September 2015, Karaganda Region Charges: Involvement in Tabligh Jamaat, a banned organization Last court decision: Sentenced to three years imprisonment

Kairat ESMUKHAMBETOV

Date of arrest: September 2014 Charges: Participation in the banned “extremist” Muslim missionary movement Tablighi Jamaat Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Criminal Code Article 337-1, Part 2, “Organizing or participating in the activity of a social or religious association or other organization after a court decision banning their activity or their liquidation in connection with extremism or terrorism they have carried out.” Last court decision: Sentenced to 20 months in prison by Taldykorgan City Court on 14th January 2015.

95 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Ruslan KAIRANOV

Charges: Participation in the banned “extremist” Muslim missionary movement Tablighi Jamaat Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Criminal Code Article 337-1, Part 2 “Organizing or participating in the activity of a social or religious association or other organization after a court decision banning their activity or their liquidation in connection with extremism or terrorism they have carried out.” Last court decision: Sentenced to 18 months in prison by Taldykorgan City Court on 14th January 2015.

Aykhan KURMANGALIYEV

Charges: Participation in the banned “extremist” Muslim missionary movement Tablighi Jamaat Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Criminal Code Article 337-1, Part 2 “Organizing or participating in the activity of a social or religious association or other organization after a court decision banning their activity or their liquidation in connection with extremism or terrorism they have carried out.” Last court decision: Sentenced to 20 months in prison by Taldykorgan City Court on 14th January 2015.

Bakyt NURMANBETOV

Date of arrest: September 2014 Charges: Participation in the banned “extremist” Muslim missionary movement Tablighi Jamaat Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Criminal Code Article 337-1, Part 2 “Organizing or participating in the activity of a social or religious association or other organization after a court decision banning their activity or their liquidation in connection with extremism or terrorism they have carried out.” Last court decision: Sentenced to 20 months in prison by Taldykorgan City Court on 14th January 2015.

Sagyndyk TATUBAYEV

Date of arrest: September 2014 Charges: Participation in the banned “extremist” Muslim missionary movement Tablighi Jamaat Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Criminal Code Article 337-1, Part 2 “Organizing or participating in the activity of a social or religious association or other organization after a court decision banning their activity or their liquidation in connection with extremism or terrorism they have carried out.”

96 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Last court decision: Sentenced to 20 months in prison by Taldykorgan City Court on 14th January 2015.

Saken TULBAYEV

Date of arrest: 11 February 2015 Charges: Member of Tabligh Jamaat, incitement of religious hatred or antagonism, participating in the activity of a banned religious association Article of criminal code: Criminal Code Article 174, Part 1; Criminal Code Article 405, Part 2 Last court decision: Sentenced to four years and eight months in prison and banned from conducting any religious activity for three years following his release Place of detention: Almaty Investigation Isolation Prison Other information: On 24th September, Tulbayev was moved to the Pavlodar labor camp.

Mamurzhan TURASHOV

Age: 41 years Charges: Creation or leadership of a banned group Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Criminal Code Article 337-1, Part 2 “Organizing or participating in the activity of a social or religious association or other organization after a court decision banning their activity or their liquidation in connection with extremism or terrorism they have carried out.” Last court decision: Sentenced to three years in prison on 2nd December 2014.

LAOS

Protestants

Collective Arrest

Pastors KAITHONG, MUK, TIANG, PUPHET and HASADEE

Date and place of arrest: 23rd June 2014, in Savannakhet province Charges: Murder of Ms Chan, a convert to Protestantism, by giving her some medication which allegedly caused her death. Article of the administrative/ civil/ criminal code: Article 82 of the Lao Penal Code. Statement of the defendants: They denied the charges and maintained that they did not use any drug or material remedy, but only prayed for Mrs. Chan’s healing in accordance with her request.

97 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 First court decision: On 5th August 2014, a court found them “not guilty,” but they remained in detention because the authority to release them lies with the Atsaphangthong District Chief. Last court decision: On 12th February 2015, the People’s Court of Savannakhet Province found them guilty of “performance of the medical profession without a license”, and sentenced them to 9 months detention. Duration of the detention: The defendants were released temporarily on 20th March 2015, while they appealed the court’s decision. No date has been set for the final verdict. Other information: Mr. Tiang Kwentianthong died on 17th September 2015 from his severe diabetic condition.

NORTH KOREA

It is estimated that 150,000 to 200,000 prisoners are currently in North Korea’s network of political prison camps. No verifiable statistics are available concerning religious prisoners. Some foreign evangelists have been arrested and sentenced to prison terms. They were released after negotiations between Pyongyang and the relevant countries. North Korea does not release arrested South Korean citizens.

Christians

Kim Kuk GI (South Korean Pastor)

Date of arrest: Late 2014 Charges: Espionage Statement of the defendant: He was carrying out missionary work among North Korean defectors in Dandong, China. Other information: See http://bit.ly/1RAtVLz.

Choe Chun GIL (South Korean Pastor)

Date and place of arrest: He was arrested in late 2014 in the Chinese border city of Dandong. Charges: Espionage Other information: See http://bit.ly/1RAtVLz.

Hyeon Soo LIM (Canadian pastor)

Age: 60 years Place of residence: Toronto Charges: Harming the dignity of the supreme leadership, trying to use religion to destroy the North Korean system, disseminating negative propaganda about the North to the overseas

98 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Koreans, and helping U.S. and South Korean authorities lure and abduct North Korean citizens, along with aiding their programs to assist defectors from the North. Last court decision: Life sentence in December 2015 Other information: Lim was invited to come to Pyongyang on 31st January 2015 and has gone missing since. It was confirmed in early March 2015 that he was and still is being detained by North Korean authorities. For more information, see http://bit.ly/1mwbvPr and http://huff.to/1QFviIB.

Kim Jeong-WOOK (South Korean Baptist missionary)

Age: 50 years Date of arrest: 7th October 2013 Charges: Attempting to overthrow the government by spying and setting up underground churches. Last court decision: The court found him guilty on 30th May 2014 and sentenced him to hard labour for life. Other information: Kim Jung-Wook is a Baptist missionary who participated in helping defectors leave North Korea.

PAKISTAN

Freedom of Expression Related to Religious Issues

The 2015 Annual Report of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom contains a list of prisoners7 detained for activities allegedly blasphemous or religiously insulting. Contravening the blasphemy laws can result in death or life imprisonment as it is mentioned in Section 295-A, B, C and 298-A, B, C of the Penal Code provide the death penalty in Pakistan. Muslims, Christians, and others are victims of these laws.

The use of blasphemy laws has created an environment where some religious fanatics believe that they are entitled to take law into their own hands. There have been many instances where the local administration and police have either colluded with perpetrators or have stood by and done nothing to assist the accused, fearing the crowd. The use of the blasphemy laws has become a quick way of resolving disputes arising from business rivalry, honour disputes, disputes over money and property. The accused are often lynched or languish for years in jail without trial because lawyers are too afraid to defend them. Judges have previously been attacked in Pakistan for acquitting blasphemy defendants and two politicians who discussed reforming the law were shot dead.

7 See the list at http://www.uscirf.gov

99 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 The cases listed below have been documented from fragmentary information available from USCIRF and other sources.

Death sentence (de facto life in prison)

In practice people sentenced to death are not put to death but incarcerated indefinitely.

Christians

Collective Arrest

Shafqat EMMANUEL, Shaguftah EMMANUEL (husband and wife) - Catholic

Age: Shafqat (38) and Shaguftah (42) Place of residence: Gojra Date of arrest: 20th July 2013 in the city of Gojra Charges: Blasphemy. They allegedly sent a text message in English deemed insulting to the Prophet Mohammed from their mobile telephone to an imam. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Section 295-B and 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code and 25-D of The Telegraph Act of 1985 Statement of the defendants: Shaguftah told the police that her cell phone had been lost for a month and that she did not know who could have sent the messages. The couple are uneducated and unable to send messages in English. Place of detention: Toba Tek Singh District Jail Last court decision: Trial court in Toba Tek Singh on 4th April 2014 handed death sentence to the Christian couple. Other information: With an intention of forcing them to confess, the police tortured Shafqat in front of his wife and four children. Their lawyer said that they would challenge the verdict in High Court. The legal team of the World Vision in Progress is defending the couple and taking care of their young children.

Individual Arrests

Mohammad Zulfiqar ALI

Charge: Writing blasphemous messages on walls in 2008 Last court decision: 14th July 2014 Place of detention: Lahore

Muhammad ASGHAR (British Protestant)

Age: 70 years Date of arrest: September 2010 in the city of Rawalpindi

100 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Charges: Blasphemy. He was accused of writing letters to several people claiming to be a prophet. Last court decision: Sentenced to death in January 2014 by Rawalpindi court. Other information: Asghar is from Edinburgh. His lawyers claimed that he had a history of mental illness in Scotland, but the court did not accept UK medical reports.

Malik Muhammad ASHRAF

Charge: Derogatory remarks against the prophet Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Sections 295-C and 298 A of the Pakistan Penal Code Last court decision: On 17th February 2010 he was sentenced to death. Place of detention: Central Jail (Adiala)

Amoor AYUB

Date and place of arrest: 17th November 2014 in Lahore Criminal code: Section 295-C of Pakistan Penal Code Charges: Blasphemy Place of detention: District jail at Jhelum Other information: He is the brother of Qaisar Ayub (see below).

Qaisar AYUB

Age: In his 40s Date and place of arrest: He was arrested on 15th November 2014 in Lahore. Criminal code: Section 295-C of Pakistan Penal Code Charges: Blasphemy. He was accused of posting blasphemous messages on a Christian website that he was moderating. Place of detention: District jail at Jhelum Other information: He is the brother of Qaisar Ayub (see above).

Asia BIBI (Protestant)

Age: 37 years Place of residence: Ittanwali Date of arrest: 19th June 2009 Charges: Blasphemy. She allegedly insulted the prophet Muhammad during an argument with some Muslim neighbors when she drank water from a well with an allegedly “unclean” cup used by Muslim women. Place of detention: Central Jail in Multan Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Section 295-C of Pakistan Penal Code First court decision: She was sentenced to death in November 2010.

101 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Last court decision: The Lahore High Court upheld the death sentence. Other information: When Bibi’s case came to prominence in 2010, three politicians – Salmaan Taseer, Shahbaz Bhatti and Sherry Rehman – all from the Pakistan People’s Party, which was currently in power, took up the case and called for reform. The consequences speak for themselves. Taseer was shot dead by his bodyguard in January 2011. In March the same year, Bhatti was killed by Taliban assassins. Rehman was forced into semi-hiding. In December 2010, a prominent Islamic cleric offered half a million Pakistani rupees (more than $5,000) to anyone who would kill her. More recently, religious groups have demanded her execution.

Abdul HAMEED

Charge: Claiming to be a prophet Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Section 295-A, B and C of Pakistan Penal Code Last court decision: 3rd March 2006 Place of detention: District Jail Sahiwal

Soofi Mohammad ISHAQ

Charge: Claiming to be a prophet Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Section 295-A, C of Pakistan Penal Code Statement of the defendant: The accusations are purely motivated by his affiliation to Sufism. Last court decision: On 20th December 2012, he was sentenced to death. Place of detention: Talagang/Chakwal

Anwar KENNETH

Date of birth: 1941 Place of residence: Karachi Date of arrest: 25th September 2001 Charges: Anwar was accused of blasphemy. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Section 295-C of Pakistan Penal Code Statement of the defendant: He was distributing pamphlets containing bible verses. Place of detention: New Central Jail Multan (Multan Jail) First court decision: On 15th June 2001 he was sentenced to death. Other information: He was known to be suffering from mental health problems when the alleged offence occurred.

Muhammad Shafeeq LATIF

102 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Charge: Blasphemy Last court decision: On 18th June 2008 he was sentenced to death. Place of detention: Sialkot, Punjab

LIAQAT

Charge: Blasphemy Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Section 295-C of Pakistan Penal Code Last court decision: On 21st March 2006, he was sentenced to death. Place of detention: District Jail Faisalabad

Savan MASIH

Age: 26 years Place of residence: Karachi Date and place of arrest: He was arrested in March 2013 in Karachi. Charges: Sawan Masih was accused of blasphemy when he engaged in a dialogue with his Muslim friend. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Section 295-C of Pakistan Penal Code. Statement of the defendant: The complainant only filed a case as part of a ploy by a businessman to drive Christians away from the Colony they live in Karachi. First court decision: On 27th April 2014, he was sentenced to death. Other information: At the time of the arrest, 180 Christian-owned homes and properties in Lahore’s Joseph Colony were torched, but a court later freed 133 Muslim suspects.

Wajihul Hassan aka Murshid MASIH

Charge: Publishing a letter to the editor which contained blasphemous content Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Sections 295-A, C, 298 and 298-A of Pakistan Penal Code Statement of the defendant: He had published a letter he had received without checking its content. Last court decision: On 3rd March 1999, he was sentenced to death. Place of detention: District Jail Sheikhupura Other info: In March 2001, a judicial inquiry into the Frontier Post case determined that the offending letter was published due to negligence and not to any malicious intent. Though, provincial authorities decided to proceed with the criminal prosecution against him.

RAFLQ

Charge: Blasphemy Last court decision: On 2nd February 2011 he was sentenced to death. Place of detention: Jalalpur Peerwala

103 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016

Abdul SATTAR

Charge: Blasphemy Last court decision: On 22nd June 2011 he was sentenced to death. Place of detention: Larkana

Muhammad SHAFIQ

Charge: Passing derogatory remarks about Prophet and burning Quran Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Section 295,B-C of Pakistan Penal Code Last court decision: On 17th March 2006, he was sentenced to death and 6 months in prison and fined. Place of detention: District Jail Sahiwa

Hazrat Ali SHAH

Age: 28 years Charge: Blasphemy Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Section 295 of Pakistan Penal Code Statement of the defendant: A disagreement with a neighbour is at the root of the accusation. Last Court decision: On 15th December 2012, he was sentenced to death and 10 years imprisonment. Place of detention: Barenis Village, KhyberPakhtunkhwa

Life imprisonment

Christians

Masqood AHMAD

Age: 52 years Place of residence: District Narowal Date and place of arrest: Arrested in Sambrial Charges: Masqood Ahmad was accused of blasphemy by his wife and daughter for throwing the Holy Quran on the floor. Statement of the defendant: According to Masqsood Ahmed he had prohibited his daughter from wearing makeup before reciting the Holy Quran and they took revenge on him. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Statue 295-C – of Pakistan Penal Code.

104 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Place of detention: Sahiwal Jail First court decision: Sentenced to life imprisonment and the judge imposed a fine of Rs. 20,000. Other information: Maxqood Ahmad was also known for having disciplined his wife and daughter for alleged illicit relations with men residing in the same locality. Therefore, Masqood Ahmad’s wife and daughter became annoyed and accused Masqood Ahmad of throwing the Holy Quran to the floor.

Rehmat ALI

Age: 80 years Place of residence: Mtala Colony Date and place of arrest: He was arrested in Mtala Colony. Charges: He was accused of blasphemy. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Sections 295-A & 295-B – of Pakistan Penal Code. Place of detention: District Jail, Faisalabad First court decision: Sentenced to life imprisonment Other information: He is a psychiatric patient.

Muhammad ASLAM

Charge: Vandalizing a poster with Quran verses. Last Court decision: On 8th April 2010, he was sentenced to life in prison. Statement of the defendant: The defendant was only taking a poster down after a celebration of the Prophet’s birthday. Place of detention: New Central Jail Multan

Malik Mohammad FAROOQ

Charge: Blasphemy. He was allegedly tearing up a banner inscribed with Muhammad’s name. Statement of defense: He was framed in the case since he had a dispute with the management of a mosque adjacent to his shop. Last court decision: On 8th May 2014, he was sentenced to life in prison.

Muhammad ISHAQ

Charge: Blasphemy Article of the criminal code: Section 295-C Statement of the defendant: Members of a rival faction brought false charges against him in an attempt to take control of the Pir Faisal Shah shrine. First court decision: A district court in Punjab provinc sentenced him to daeth.

105 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Last court decision: On 5th January 2011, he was sentenced to life in prison. Place of detention: Uch Sharif, Mohallah Qadirabad Other info: Ishaq has been a U.S. resident for 30 years, and was visiting the Pir Faisal Shah shrine when an individual named Asadullah accused him of claiming to be a prophet and attempting to get people to worship him.

Imran GHAFOOR

Age: 28 years Place of residence: Hajavery Town, Faisalabad Date and place of arrest: He was arrested on 1st July 2009 in Faisalabad. Charges: Imran Ghafoor was accused of burning the Holy Quran and also some holy papers in front of his shop. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Section 295-A&B of the Pakistan Penal Code. Statement of the defendant: The blasphemy allegations arose after business jealousy and rivalry. Imran’s business flourished whist the accusers’ businesses were not doing so well. Place of detention: Central Faisalabad prison. First court decision: On 1st July 2011, he was sentenced to life imprisonment.

Manzarul Haq Shah JAHAN

Charge: Uttering blasphemous remarks against the Holy Prophet Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Section 295-C of Pakistan Penal Code Last Court decision: On 17th March 2012, he was sentenced to life in prison. Place of detention: Kasur

Abdul KAREEM

Age: 24 years Place of residence: Saddar Farooqabad Date and place of arrest: He was arrested on 15th October 2006 in Saddar Farooqabad. Charges: Blasphemy Article of the criminal code: Section 295-B of Pakistan Penal Code Statement of the defendant: The allegations of the complainant (Mushtaq) for blasphemy allegedly took place whilst he was in jail (false accusations). According to Abdul Kareem, Mushtaq was infuriated after being severely injured by Kareem, and he wanted to take revenge on him. Place of detention: District Jail Sahiwal First court decision: He was sentenced to life imprisonment with rigorous imprisonment (hard labour) on 21st June 2007.

106 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Arif MAHDI

Age: 32 years Place of residence: District Multan Date and place of arrest: 8th April 2006, Multan. Charges: Arif Mahdi was accused of blasphemy when he found Islamic booklets on the ground while he was painting a wall of the mosque. Article of the criminal code: Section 295-B of Pakistan Penal Code Statement of the defendant: He claimed that the headman of the village (Malik Mehmood) took advantage of the situation and made a false accusation. Place of detention: New Central Jail Multan First court decision: He was sentenced to life imprisonment on 20th October 2006.

Imran MASIH

Age: 27 years Place of residence: Faisalabad suburb of Hajvairy Charge: Burning the Quran Article of the criminal code or law: Section 295-A, C of Pakistan Penal Code Statement of the defendant: He was burning an old Arabic textbook (not the Quran) with many other old or worn out texts from his bookshop. Last Court decision: On 1st January 2010, he was sentenced to 10 years labour, life in prison and fined. Place of detention: District Jail Faisalabad

Muhammad MUSHTAQ, alias MASTA

Age: 32 years Place of residence: Multan Date and place of arrest: Arrested in Makhdoom Rasheed Charges: Muhammad Mushtaq was accused of disgracing the Holy Quran. Article of the criminal code: Section 295-B of Pakistan Penal Code & 7 ATA. Place of detention: New Central Jail Multan Last court decision: On 1st August 2011, he was sentenced to life imprisonment.

Sajjad MASIH

Age: 30 years Place of residence: The district of Pakpatan, in the province of Punjab Charge: Sending blasphemous text messages First court decision: He was sentenced to life imprisonment and a fine of 200 thousand rupees by a court of first instance in Gojra. Last Court decision: On 13th July 2013, he was sentenced to life in prison.

107 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Place of detention: Station City Gojra Other info: On 18th December 2011, Malik Muhammad Tariq Saleem, received some blasphemous text messages from an unknown phone. The next day, Tariq reported the incident to the police in Gojra who registered a complaint for blasphemy, then immediately indicting and arresting Sajjad Gill. His conviction came as a surprise as there was absolutely no evidence or accusations presented against him in court. This is the first case of blasphemy via SMS recorded by the police in Pakistan.

Inayat RASOOL

Age: 27 years Place of residence: Zafarwal in Shakargarh Tehsil Date and place of arrest: 23th June 2006, Zafarwal Narowal. Charges: Inayat Rasool was accused of desecrating the Holy Quran by throwing the Holy Quran into the canal. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Section 295-B of Pakistan Penal Code. Statement of the defendant: He was attending a carnival of Chanpeer, and on his way home while crossing a canal bridge, he saw some pages of the Holy Quran in dirty water. Place of detention: District Jail Sahiwal First court decision: He was sentenced to life imprisonment with rigorous imprisonment (hard labour) on 29th December 2008.

Muhammad SAFDAR

Age: 51 years Place of residence: Kabirwala, District Khanewal Date and place of arrest: 1st October 2010 in Kabirwala, Khanewal. Charges: Muhammad Safdar was accused of blasphemy. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Section 295-B of Pakistan Penal Code. Statement of the defendant: Safdar's wife had a dispute with the wife of Muhammad Abdullah, a neighbour of Muhammad Safdar. That led Muhammad Abdullah to falsely accuse him of blasphemy. Place of detention: New Central jail Multan First court decision: He was sentenced to life imprisonment with rigorous imprisonment on 17th January 2011.

Muhammad SHAFI

Age: 58 years Place of residence: Muzaffar Garh Date and place of arrest: He was arrested in Dera Deer Panah. Charges: Muhammad Shafi was accused of blasphemy because he removed a poster with printed verses of the Holy Quran and of trampling it with his foot.

108 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Place of detention: New Central Jail Multan First court decision: He was sentenced to life imprisonment and a fine.

Muhammad SHAHZAD

Age: 32 years Place of residence: College Road, Gujranwala. Date and place of arrest: He was arrested in Garjakh-Gujranwala. Charges: Muhammad Shahzad was accused of blasphemy. Statement of the defendant: Shahzad was working at his mill shop when he saw Mouhammad Yousaf, a mentally ill individual, burning the Holy Quran. He rushed to stop him, but before he arrived too late. Shahzad took the burnt pages and tried to rescue others from the flames, but people who saw him mistakenly assumed that he was an accomplice. Article of the criminal code: Section 295-B of Pakistan Penal Code. First court decision: He was sentenced to life imprisonment on 18th January 2011.

Shamas UD DIN

Age: 35 years Place of residence: Gondal Ghari, Sialkot Date and place of arrest: He was arrested in Marala. Charges: Shamas Ud Din was accused of blasphemy. Statement of the defendant: He was framed for blasphemy in an attempt to stop him from reporting an act of loan fraud. Article of the criminal code: Section 295-A & 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code. Place of detention: District Jail Sahiwal First court decision: He was sentenced to life imprisonment on 5th June 2010, and fined. Other information: He is the father of 3 children. He has developed psychiatric problems.

Muhammad YOUSAF

Age: 50 years Place of residence: Gujranwala Date and place of arrest: 24th March 2003 in Garjakh-Gujranwala. Charges: Muhammad Yousaf was accused of blasphemy for burning the Holy Quran. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Section 295-B of the Pakistan Penal Code. Place of detention: Sahiwal Jail First court decision: Sentenced to life imprisonment on 18th January 2011. Other information: He is mentally ill.

Asif

109 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016

Age: 31 years Place of residence: Village of Machikay in Gujranwala Date and place of arrest: 18th June 2006 in Ferozewala, Gujranwala Charges: Asif was accused of burning the pages of Holy Quran. Article of the criminal code: Section 295-B of Pakistan Penal Code. Statement of the defendant: He was burning waste papers and mistakenly burned a few pages of the Holy Quran. Place of detention: District Jail Sahiwal First court decision: He was sentenced to life imprisonment with rigorous imprisonment (hard labour) on 31st January 2008. Other information: He is currently mentally ill.

RUSSIA

Hare Krishnas

Collective Arrests

Nikolai KRYUKOV and Dmitry MOSKVICHYOV (Hare Krishna devotees)

Date and place of arrest: 26th July 2015, Magadan Charges: Organising a “picket” without notifying authorities Article of administrative code: Article 20.2 Part 2 Final court decision: On 1st August 2015, they were sentenced to six days in detention. Other information: The two devotees were detained for six days as a “security measure,” after performing religious chants, playing Indian instruments, and handing out literature in the street. Three of their companions were later charged under Article 20.2, Part 5, in their home regions and fined.

Protestant

Pastor Pavel PILIPCHUK (Baptist)

Date and place of arrest: 13th April 2015, in Orel Charges: Organising an open air worship service without previously notifying authorities Article of administrative code: Article 20.2 First court decision: On 11th August 2014, he was fined 20,000 Roubles. Last court decision: On 13th April 2015, he was sentenced to five days administrative arrest after refusing to pay his fine.

110 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Place of detention: Police detention center in the Northern District of Orel Date of release: 18th April 2015 Other information: Pilipchuk was charged as the person responsible for the meeting of group of Orel Baptists who had gathered outdoors on 23rd March 2014 (Palm Sunday) to sing hymns and hand out Christian literature. According to Forum 18, the court verdict determined the event presented “the possibility of danger to public order, morality, and health, both to the participants of the religious event themselves, and to third parties, which requires public authorities to take measures to ensure public order and the security and peace of citizens.” The pastor refused to pay the sentenced fine on the grounds of his innocence. Other baptists claimed he was not present at or involved with the event.

Said Nursi Readers (Muslims)

Bagir KAZIKHANOV

Age: 31 years Place of residence: Ulyanovsk Date and place of arrest: He was first arrested on 9th April 2014, and then again on 25th February 2015 in Ulyanovsk. Charges: Creating a cell of a banned Nurdzuhlar organisation and participating in its activities Article of criminal code: Article 282.2, Part 1 ("Organisation of extremist activity") Last court decision: On 25th February 2015, Kazikhanov was sentenced by Lenin District Court in Ulyanovsk to three and half years to be served in a general-regime correctional colony. Other information: Kazikhanov was remanded in custody from his arrest in Moscow on 9th April until 26th October 2014. Afterwards, he was put under house arrest. Bagir Kazikhanov became the first reader of the works of the late Turkish Islamic theologian, Said Nursi, to receive a jail sentence in Russia since September 2013.

Yelena GERASIMOVA

Place of residence: Krasnoyarsk Date of arrest: 8th August 2013, during the major end-of-Ramadan festival Eid-ul-Fitr along with Tatyana Guzenko (see below) Charges: Running a Nurdzhular women’s cell Article of criminal code: Article 282.2, Part 1 ("Organisation of extremist activity") Other information: The case began with a preliminary hearing at Soviet District Court on 27th November 2014, having been passed around the Krasnoyarsk court system for the previous six months. Since then, all 25 hearings have been adjourned because of her frequent absences (due to her pregnancy).

111 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Tatyana GUZENKO

Age : 48 years Place of residence: Krasnoyarsk Date of arrest: 8th August 2013, during the major end-of-Ramadan festival Eid-ul-Fitr, along with Yelena Gerasimova (see above) Charges: Running a Nurdzhular women’s cell Article of criminal code: Article 282.2, Part 1 ("Organisation of extremist activity") Other information: Her case, combined with Gerasimova’s, began with a preliminary hearing at Soviet District Court on 27th November 2014, having been passed around the Krasnoyarsk court system for the previous six months. Since then, all 25 hearings have been adjourned.

SAUDI ARABIA

Freedom of Expression Related to Religious Issues

Muslim

Raif BADAWI, laureate of the 2015 Sakharov Prize, EU human rights award

Date of birth: 1984 Date and place of arrest: 17th June 2012 Charges: Apostasy and setting up a website that undermines general security and ridiculing Islamic religious figures Statement of the defendant: Raif stated that Muslims, Jews, Christians and atheists are all equal. He claims he never attacked Islam and he only sought to provide a forum for open debate. First court decision: On 29th July 2013, Badawi was sentenced to 600 lashes and seven years in prison. An additional three months was added for ‘parental disobedience’. Last court decision: In June 2015, the Supreme Court upheld a heavier sentence of 10 years in prison and 1000 lashes. He also received a fine of 1 million riyal (equal to about $267,000). Other information: Raif was first sentenced for violating IT law and insulting Saudi Arabia’s Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice through his online writings, and hosting those of others on the “Free Saudi Liberals” website. He got a first round of 50 lashes, but, thanks to the continuous mobilization of the international community, the implementation of the punishment was interrupted. Though his fate remains uncertain. On 29th October 2015, the Sakharov Prize, EU’s human rights award, was granted to Raif Badawi.

112 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Ahmadis

Sultan Hamid MAARZOUK AL-ANZI

Date and place of arrest: 14th May 2012, in Ahrar Place of residence: Ahrar, Al Azizya close to the northern border of Saudi Arabia Charges: Apostasy Statement of defendant: He converted to the Ahmadi faith, which is forbidden in Saudi Arabia. Place of detention: General prison in Ahraral Azizya close to the northern border of Saudi Arabia Other information: Two clerics persistently tried to persuade him to give up his faith and return to be Islam. He was told he would be charged under apostasy in Islam, the punishment for which is death.

Saudh Faleh AWAD AL-ANZI

Date and place of arrest: 14th May 2012, in Ahrar Place of residence: Ahrar, Al Azizya close to the northern border of Saudi Arabia Charges: Apostasy Statement of defendant: He converted to the Ahmadi faith, which is forbidden in Saudi Arabia. Place of detention: General prison in Ahrar al Azizya close to the northern border of Saudi Arabia Other information: Two clerics persistently tried to persuade him to give up his faith and return to be Islam. He was told he would be charged under apostasy in Islam, the punishment for which is death.

SINGAPORE

Jehovah’s Witnesses

The government of Singapore enforces compulsory military service and does not recognize the right to conscientious objection. In 2015, twenty young Jehovah’s Witnesses were still serving a total of 39 months of imprisonment in the Armed Forces Detention Barracks.

C.O.= Conscientious Objection

*= 1st term **=2nd term

Name Age Location Term/ Release Reaso

113 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 n

39 months** Armed Forces Detention Phua Zhe Shen 23 Barracks 2015/10/06 C.O.

39 months** Armed Forces Detention Soo Teck Yew, Aaron 23 Barracks 2015/10/06 C.O.

Loke Yong Chin, Mel- Armed Forces Detention 39 months** Travis 22 Barracks 2016/02/10 C.O.

Ang Hwee Sheng Armed Forces Detention 39 months** (Wilson) 22 Barracks 2016/09/09 C.O.

Armed Forces Detention 39 months** Choo Han Meng (Mark) 22 Barracks 2016/10/12 C.O.

Armed Forces Detention 39 months** Goh Yi Wen, Ryan 22 Barracks (2016/10/12) C.O.

Armed Forces Detention 39 months** Gan Zhi Rong, Joshua 21 Barracks 2016/11/11 C.O.

Armed Forces Detention 39 months** Oh Yu Rong, Michael 21 Barracks 2016/11/16 C.O.

Armed Forces Detention 39 months** Xing Fuguang, Paul 21 Barracks 2016/11/16 C.O.

Tay Heng Ong, Armed Forces Detention 39 months** Jephthah 22 Barracks 2017/02/23 C.O.

Armed Forces Detention 39 months** Napalli, Gaius Kai Wen 19 Barracks 2017/08/11 C.O.

Armed Forces Detention 39 months** Soh Wei, Sebastian 19 Barracks 2017/08/11 C.O.

Armed Forces Detention 15 months* Chew, Bryan 20 Barracks 2016/02/16 C.O.

Armed Forces Detention 15 months* Guang, Javier Lee Yang 21 Barracks 2016/02/16 C.O.

Armed Forces Detention 15 months* Ren, Bryant Tan Yi 20 Barracks 2016/02/16 C.O.

114 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Armed Forces Detention 15 months* Zhong, Jonathan Goh Yi 20 Barracks 2016/02/16 C.O.

Armed Forces Detention 40 days Leonard Ong Yao Jian 30 Barracks 2015/04/11 C.O.

Armed Forces Detention 15 months* Wang, Weice 18 Barracks 2016/08/06 C.O.

Armed Forces Detention 15 months* Lee, Wei Hao 18 Barracks 2016/08/11 C.O.

Armed Forces Detention 12 months* Zhang, Min Yu 25 Barracks 2016/06/28 C.O.

SOUTH KOREA

Jehovah’s Witnesses

As of 31st July 2015, 555 young Jehovah’s Witnesses8 were serving 18-month prison terms for conscientious objection to military service. This year they began to get some support from lower courts, where six of them were found not guilty even though their acquittals were appealed by prosecutors. However, the Supreme Court upheld an appeals court's guilty verdict against a Jehovah's Witness, surnamed Ahn, who was sentenced to 18 months' jail for refusing to serve in the military. Moreover, the Constitutional Court ruled in August 2011 that punishing those who refuse military service was not against the Constitution.

From the Korean War period to the present, South Korea has repeatedly prosecuted young Jehovah’s Witness men for their refusal to do military service. No provision is made for alternative service.

Charges: Conscientious objection to military service Statement of the defendants: Performing military service is incompatible with their faith. Last court decision: Generally sentenced to 18 months in prison Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Military Service Act Article 88 Paragraph 1 Duration of detention: Usually 18 months

8 See full list of prisoners here http://www.jw.org/en/news/legal/by-region/south-korea/jehovahs-witnesses-in- prison/

115 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Other information: Conscientious objectors who are called up as reservists face multiple prosecutions and repeated punishments over an eight-year period for violation of Homeland Reserve Forces Act, Article 15, Par. 9

The full list of prisoners is accessible at http://www.jw.org/en/news/legal/by-region/south- korea/jehovahs-witnesses-in-prison/

The UN Human Rights Committee’s decision on 1st December 2006 ruled that South Korea violated Article 18, paragraph 1, of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. This decision found an infringement of freedom of conscience in the case of two Jehovah’s Witnesses imprisoned for their conscientious objection to military service. On 24th March 2011, the Committee issued a similar ruling in the case of 100 other Jehovah’s Witnesses; 438 other Jehovah’s Witness complaints are still pending before this Committee. The Committee decisions remind South Korea that it is in violation of this provision under international law. The government of South Korea has stated that it does not intend to implement the Committee’s views.

Over the years, Jehovah’s Witnesses have filed a series of appeals asking the Constitutional Court to rule that the Military Service Act violates the constitutional right to freedom of conscience and religion. In democratic South Korea today, 500 to 700 conscientious objectors are still sent to prison on average each year — nearly all of them Jehovah’s Witnesses. They account for more than 90 percent of all imprisoned conscientious objectors in the world, according to Jehovah’s Witnesses and the United Nations Human Rights Council.

SUDAN

Protestants

Individual Arrests

Rev. Hassan ABDURAHEEM

Date and place of arrest: 19th December 2015, at home in Omdurman, by National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) agents Place of detention: He has not been seen since arrest but said to be in NISS detention centre. Other information: Reverend of the Sudan Church of Christ.

Hafiz MENGISTO (Pastor)

Date of arrest: 1st July 2015

116 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Charges: He was charged with obstructing a public servant in the performance of his duties. First court decision: Acquitted of charges on 29 December 2015 Other information: He is the senior minister Khartoum Bahri Evangelical Church He was challenging a government employee who was overseeing the destruction of parts of the church complex. The employee was attempting to destroy a part of the complex that was not within the government order. Pastor Mengisto sustained injuries to his head and ear while in police custody and required medical attention upon his release.

Yat MICHAEL (Pastor)

Date and place of arrest: 21st December 2014 Charges: He faced at least six charges, including undermining the constitutional system (Article 50); espionage (Article 53); promoting hatred amongst sects (Article 64); breach of public peace (Article 69); and offences relating to insulting religious beliefs (Article 125). Of the charges, Articles 50 and 53 carry the death penalty or life imprisonment in the event of a guilty verdict. First court decision: 14th May 2015 Place of detention: Omdurman Men’s Prison

Mohaned MUSTAFA

Date of arrest: 1st July 2015 Charges: He was charged with obstructing a public servant in the performance of his duties. First court decision: Charges dismissed on 23 December 2015 Other information: He is the lawyer for the Khartoum Bahri Evangelical Church He was challenging a government employee who was overseeing the destruction of parts of the church complex. The employee was attempting to destroy a part of the complex that was not within the government order.

Talahon Nigosi Kassa RATTA

Date and place of arrest: 14th December 2015, by National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) agents in Khartoum Other information: He is a Christian activist who had been involved inorganising protests against government interference with church property. In 2014, he was a member of the committee involved in organizing a vigil that called for the end of the illegal sale of the church’s property.

Peter Lein REITH (Pastor)

Date of arrest: 11th January 2015 Charges: He faced at least six charges, including undermining the constitutional system (Article 50); espionage (Article 53); promoting hatred amongst sects (Article 64); breach of public peace (Article 69); and offences relating to insulting religious beliefs (Article 125). Of

117 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 the charges, Articles 50 and 53 carry the death penalty or life imprisonment in the event of a guilty verdict. First court decision: 14th May 2015 Place of detention: Omdurman Men’s Prison Date of release: During the court hearing of 5 August 2015, he was convicted of participation in criminal or terrorist organisations, but released on time served. Other information: He was arrested on 11th January after submitting a letter from leaders of their denomination, the South Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church (SSPEC), inquiring about the whereabouts of Michael Yat. The charges appear to be based solely on the pastor’s nationality, race and faith. A NISS officer who identified himself only as Jamal confirmed that the agency had demanded that the pastor pay $6,000 for the charges to be dropped.

Rev. Kwa SHAMAL

Date and place of arrest: 19th December 2015, at home in Khartoum North, by National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) agents Place of detention: He has not been seen since arrest but said to be in NISS detention centre. Other information: Reverend of the Sudan Church of Christ. In June 2014, he made an unsuccessful appeal to the Khartoum North Commissioner to prevent the demolition of the church he led in Thiba Al Hamyida in Khartoum North which was razed to the ground after local officials gave 24 hours verbal notice of the demolition.

Collective arrests:

Over 20 people arrested and detained for a month

On 2nd and 3rd November 2015, local police arrested 24 men and three children in two groups in the Mayu neighborhood of South Khartoum. They were detained for a month while police investigated the alleged crimes of apostasy. On 30th November, the minors were released on bail on the condition they attend all court hearings related to the case; however, the court refused to try them separately as required by Sudanese law. On 9th December, the court dismissed two defendants from the trial due to lack of evidence. On 14th December, the court confirmed the charge of apostasy against the remaining defendants and released them on bail pending the next hearing, which was set for 9th February 2016.

Although the defendants are charged with apostasy they have not converted from Islam, but follow an interpretation that differs from that of the ruling regime. They face charges of rejecting the teachings of the Prophet Mohammad because their group does not recognise the authority of the Hadith and only follows the teachings of the Qur'an.

The defendants are: 1. Ebrahim Essa Abakar (m) 23 years old; 2. Muatasem Yousef Abaker (m) 21 years old; 3. Samen Alzebair Abdalla (m) 27 years old;

118 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 4. Alyas Mohamed Abdalla (m) 51 years old; 5. Khames Mohamed Abdalla (m) 23 years old; 6. Murwan Mohamed Abdalla (m) 20 years old; 7. Ebrahim Yousef Abdallah (m) 27 years old; 8. Waleed Abdalmuneam (m) 20 years old; 9. Fawzi Abdalla Adam (m) 20 years old; 10. Yousef Essa Adam (m) 25 years old; 11. Refat Abdalmoamen Awad (m) 16 years old; 12. Ayman Saied Ebrahim (m) 19 years old 13. Abderahman Saied Enrahim (m) 37 years old; 14. Mohamed Abdalsalam Gebreal (m) 25 years old; 15. Amen Khalil Gebril (m) 16 years old; 16. Haroun Adam Haroun (m) 30 years old; 17. Munair Bashir Hassan (m) 15 years old; 18. Hassan Abakar Osman (m) 19 years old; 19. Alamin Salih Osman (m) 25 years old; 20. Awad Ebrahim Osman (m) 28 years old; 21. Rabeel Abdalhameed Mohamed (m) 28 years old; 22. Emam Alyas Mohamed (m) 21 years old; 23. Mokhtar Khalil Musa (m) 36 years old; 24. Awad Mohamed Mussa (m) 33 years old; 25. Essa Yagoup (m) 20 years old.

TAJIKISTAN

Tajikistan claims to be a secular state. Between 2014 and 2015, 30 people were detained for wearing long beards, which is considered to be a sign of radical Muslim identity. Men have been allowed to wear beards no longer than a fist but they are not allowed to wear beards in public buildings.

Muslims

Komiljon AKHROROV

Age: 37 years Place of residence: Vahdat Date of arrest: 15th December 2014 Charges: "Illegally" teaching religion to school-age to five children of between 13 and 17 years. Statement of the defendant: He was teaching religion to children.

119 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Article of the criminal code: Article 117 Part 1 ("Causing physical or mental suffering by systematic assault or other forcible means") Date of release: Akhrorov was allegedly released around 16th January 2015.

Sayidmumin RASHIDOV

Age: 40 years Place of residence: Vahdat Date of arrest: 15th December 2014 Charges: "Illegally" teaching religion to 12 children of between 6 and 15 years and beating them. Statement of the defendant: Teaching religion to children. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Criminal Code Article 117, Part 1 ("Causing physical or mental suffering by systematic assault or other forcible means") Date of release: Rashidov was allegedly released around 16th January 2015

Tablighi Jamaat Muslims

Mass Arrest

Erkin ABDUHALILOV, Talabsho ABDUSAMADOV, Khudaydod ALNAZAROV, Mahkamjon AZIZOV, Umarjon AZIZOV, Mahmadjon BAKIYEV, Faridun BOBOYEV, Jamshed BOYAKOV, Rustam BOYMUHAMEDOV, Amirali and Murodali DAVLATOVS (brothers), IGBOLSHO, Abdujabbor IZZATULLAYEV, Saynurdin KALUGSHOYEV, Saidkomil KHALOV, Doniyor KHASHIMOV, Nasrullo KHISOMOV, Mahmadali KURBONOV Churakhon MIRZOYEV, Abduvali MURODOV, JALOLIDDIN, Ismoil MAHMUDOV, NASRULLAYEV, Muhibullo RAHMONOV, Nosir RAKHIMOV, Bashir SAIDOV, Azizhudja SALIMOV, Habibullo SHARIPOV, Churabek SAIDZODA, Toirjon SAMADOV, Nemat SANGINOV, Abdukahor SATTOROV, Abdumanon SATTOROV, Raufjon SHEROV, Rahmonazi TALIBOV, Suhrob TEMIROV, Ahmad VALIYEV

Charges: Being part of an extremist organisation Last court decision: On 18th May 2010, prison terms of between three and six years and heavy fines. Article of the criminal code: Criminal Code's article 307-3 ("organisation of banned extremist religious organisations"). Part 1 specifies prison terms of between five and seven years for leaders of such organisations. Part 2 of the same article specifies fines of between 1,000 and 2,000 times the 'minimum calculation index' - 25 Somonis before 1 July 2009 and from this date 35 Somonis - or prison terms of between three and five years for those participating in such organisations. Statement of the defendants: They deny being part of any organisation.

120 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 TURKMENISTAN

Jehovah’s Witnesses

Jamilya ADYLOVA

Date and place of arrest: She was arrested in Turkmenabad on 6th February 2015. Charge: Possession of illegal religious literature of Jehovah’s Witnesses Statement of defendant: Possession of religious literature of Jehovah’s Witnesses Article of the administrative code: Article 345 ("Minor hooliganism") Last court decision: Three separate terms of 15 days of administrative imprisonment: the first term took place from 6th to 21st February 2015, the second term from 16th to 31st March, and the third term from 31st March to 15th April 2015. Date of release: Released on 15th April 2015

Dovlet BYASHIMOV

Date and place of arrest: 18th April 2015 in Turkmenabad Charge: Disorderly conduct Last court decision: 15-day imprisonment Date of release: 26th April 2015 Other information: In 2010 he served 18 months' in prison as a conscientious objector to military service.

Charygeldy DZHUMAEV

Date and place of arrest: He was arrested in Turkmenabad on 6th February 2015. Charge: Possession of illegal religious literature of Jehovah’s Witnesses Statement of defendant: Possession of religious literature of Jehovah’s Witnesses Article of the administrative code: Article 345 ("Minor hooliganism") Court decision: Three separate terms of 15 days of administrative imprisonment: the first term took place from 6th to 21st February 2015, the second term from 16th to 31st March, and the third term from 31st March to 15th April 2015. Date of release: 15th April 2015

Emirdzhan DZHUMNAZAROV

Date and place of arrest: He was arrested in Turkmenabad on 14th March 2015. Charge: Disorderly conduct Statement of defendant: Preaching teachings of an unregistered organization Last court decision: Sentenced to two separate terms of 15-day administrative imprisonment on 16th March 2015 and in April 2015.

121 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Date of release: 15th April 2015 Other information: During his imprisonment Mr. Dzhumnazarov was threatened with torture by electrocution. Also he was beaten and kicked by the law-enforcement officials in prison.

Bahram HEMDEMOV

Date and place of arrest: He was arrested in Turkmenabad on 6th February 2015. Charges: Fomenting of social, national or religious strife Statement of the defendant: He hosted a religious meeting. Article of the criminal code: Article 177 of the Criminal Code of Turkmenistan First court decision: On 19th May 2015, he was sentenced by Lebap Region Court to four years in prison. Last court decision: On 25th August 2015, the Supreme Court denied an appeal by his attorney. Place of detention: LB-K 12 labour camp in the town of Seydi

Serdar HEMDEMOV (son of Bahram Hemdemov)

Date of birth: 1996 Date and place of arrest: 14th March 2015 Charges: Disorderly conduct Last court decision: Two separate terms of 15-day administrative imprisonment on 16th and 31st March 2015 Other information: During his detention, MNS officer Mekan Veliyev beat and interrogated him. On 17th April 2015, he was placed in isolation and severely beaten.

Zeynep HUSAYNOVA

Place of arrest: Turkmenabad Charges: Possession of illegal religious literature of Jehovah’s Witnesses Statement of defendant: Possession of religious literature of Jehovah’s Witnesses Article of the administrative code: Article 345 (“Minor hooliganism”) Last court decision: 15-day prison term

Viktor JARYGIN

Date and place of arrest: He was arrested in Turkmenabad on 6th February 2015. Charge: Possession of illegal religious literature of Jehovah’s Witnesses Statement of defendant: Possession of religious literature of Jehovah’s Witnesses Article of the administrative code: Article 345 ("Minor hooliganism") Last court decision: 15-day prison term

Charygeldy JUMAEV

122 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Date and place of arrest: He was arrested in Turkmenabad on 6th February 2015. Charge: Possession of illegal religious literature of Jehovah’s Witnesses Article of the administrative code: Article 345 ("Minor hooliganism") Last court decision: He was sentenced to three separate terms of 15 days of administrative imprisonment. The first one took place from 6th to 21st February 2015, the second term from 16th to 31st March, and the third term from 31st March to 15th April 2015. Date of release: 15th April 2015 Other information: He was beaten during his imprisonment.

Emirjan JUMANAZAROV

Date and place of arrest: He was arrested on 16th March 2015, and again on 1st April 2015. Charge: Preaching teachings of an unregistered religious organization and insulting an officer who had stopped him Article of the administrative code: Article 345 (“disorderly conduct”) Last court decision: 15-day prison term Other information: He was singled out for particularly brutal treatment and threatened with torture by electrocution.

Dovlet KANDYMOV

Date and place of arrest: He was arrested in Turkmenabad on 18th March 2015. Charge: He was sentenced to three successive prison terms of 15 days in April 2015. First court decision: 15 days of incarceration Last court decision: On 18th April 18 2015, he was sentenced to a third term of administrative imprisonment. Date of release: 3rd May 2015 Other info: While in administrative imprisonment, he was repeatedly beaten by MNS officer Mekan Veliyev to force him to testify against Mr. Bahram Hemdemov.

Soyunmurat KOROV

Date of arrest: October 2014 Charges: Conscientious objector to military service Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Criminal Code Article 219, Part 1. Punishment for refusal to serve in the armed forces in peacetime with a maximum penalty of two years' imprisonment Other information: Korov was transferred to the military hospital in Bekrewe on the western edge of Ashgabad.

Ruslan NARKULIYEV

Age: 21 years

123 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Charges: Conscientious objector to military service Last court decision: Sentenced on 30th September 2014 to two years imprisonment Article of the criminal code: Criminal Code Article 219, Part 1. Punishment for refusal to serve in the armed forces in peacetime with a maximum penalty of two years' imprisonment Last court decision: Sentenced on 30th September 2014 to two years imprisonment. Place of detention: Strict regime section at the Seydi Labour camp, 746222 Lebap vilayet Seydi, uchr. LB-K/11, Turkmenistan Date of release: 17th February 2015 (Presidential amnesty to mark Flag Day on 19th February)

Rustam NAZAROV

Date and place of arrest: He was arrested in Turkmenabad on 6th February 2015. Charge: Possession of illegal religious literature of Jehovah’s Witnesses Statement of defendant: Possession of religious literature of Jehovah’s Witnesses Article of the administrative code: Article 345 ("Minor hooliganism") Last court decision: Two separate terms of 15 days of administrative imprisonment in March and April 2015.

Konstantin VLASKIN

Date and place of arrest: He was arrested in Turkmenabad on 6th May 2015. Charge: Possession of illegal religious literature of Jehovah’s Witnesses Statement of defendant: Possession of religious literature of Jehovah’s Witnesses Last court decision: 8th May 2015, administrative detention for 15 days Date of release: 23rd May 2015

Mass Arrests

Date and place of arrest: 6th February 2015, Turkmenabad First court decision: Eight people were sentenced to 15 days of imprisonment and 30 were fined. Other information: Thirty-eight Jehovah’s Witnesses gathered for worship when there was a raid. The police seized all of the Witnesses’ religious literature and took everyone to the police station where they were detained until the early morning hours. Almost all who served a 15-day term were detained again for 15 days. None of them received a copy of the court decision.

UZBEKISTAN

Muslims

124 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 The 2014 Annual Report of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom covering freedom of religion in 2013 released a list of 99 Muslims sentenced on the grounds of their religious activities or affiliations9:

 1 prison term of 18 years; 6 prison terms of 12 years; 3 prison terms of 10 years; 46 prison terms ranging from 3 years to 8 ½ years.  1 was granted amnesty; 1 died in custody; 3 were sentenced to a fine; 12 suspended sentences; 7 probation sentences; 3 fines; 15 unknown sentence; 1 prison term of 15 days.

Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners’ List in 2015:

Olmosbek ERKABOYEV

Age: 36 years Place of residence: Tashkent Date and place of arrest: On 5th June 2015 in Tashkent. Last court decision: 61 days’ imprisonment Date of release: 4th August 2015 Other information: Officers beat him to sign up a document incriminating himself on charges of religious extremism. He was subjected to illegal questioning without participation of a lawyer.

Furkat ABDULLAYEV

Date and place of arrest: 2010 in Navoi Charges: Jailed for meeting with others to study the Koran and pray. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Criminal Code Article 244-1, Part 3 (a) ("Production and dissemination of materials containing a threat to public security and public order") and Article 244-2, Part 1 ("Creation, leadership or participation in religious extremist, separatist, fundamentalist or other banned organisations") Last court decision: Sentenced on 28th June 2010 to nine years of detention.

Nodyr BARNAYEV

Date and place of arrest: 2010 in Navoi Charges: Jailed for meeting with others to study the Koran and pray. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Criminal Code Article 244-1, Part 3 (a) ("Production and dissemination of materials containing a threat to public security and public order") and Article 244-2, Part 1 ("Creation, leadership or participation in religious extremist, separatist, fundamentalist or other banned organisations") Last court decision: Sentenced on 28th June 2010 to nine years of detention.

9 Source: Initiative Group of Independent Human Rights Defenders of Uzbekistan (IGIHRDU)

125 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Mehrinisso HAMDAMOVA

Age: 46 years Date of arrest: November 2009 Charges: Attempts to change the constitutional order of Uzbekistan Statement of Defendant: She was simply teaching Islam in a mosque in Karshi. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Article 159 (“attempts to change the constitutional order of Uzbekistan”), and article 244-1 (“preparation or distribution of materials threatening public security and public order”) Last court decision: In April 2010 she was sentenced to seven years in jail. Place of detention: A camp of female prisoners in Zangiota District

Zulhumor HAMDAMOVA

Date of arrest: November 2009 Charges: Attempts to change the constitutional order of Uzbekistan Statement of Defendant: She was simply teaching Islam in a mosque in Karshi. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Article 159 (“attempts to change the constitutional order of Uzbekistan”), and article 244-1 (“preparation or distribution of materials threatening public security and public order”) Last court decision: In April 2010 she was sentenced to six and a half years in jail. Place of detention: A camp of female prisoners in Zangiota District

Abdugani KAMOLOV

Date and place of arrest: 2010, in Kyzyltepe, Navoi Region

Charges: Jailed for meeting with others to study the Koran and pray. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Criminal Code Article 244-1, Part 3 (a) ("Production and dissemination of materials containing a threat to public security and public order") and Article 244-2, Part 1 ("Creation, leadership or participation in religious extremist, separatist, fundamentalist or other banned organisations") Last court decision: Sentenced on 28th June 2010 to nine years of detention.

Zukhriddin KAMOLOV

Date and place of arrest: 2010 Charges: Jailed for meeting with others to study the Koran and pray. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Criminal Code Article 244-1, Part 3 (a) ("Production and dissemination of materials containing a threat to public security and public order") and Article 244-2, Part 1 ("Creation, leadership or participation in religious extremist, separatist, fundamentalist or other banned organisations") Last court decision: Sentenced on 28th June 2010 to nine years of detention.

126 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Rakhmatillo KHAMDAMOV

Date and place of arrest: 2010 Charges: Jailed for meeting with others to study the Koran and pray. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Criminal Code Article 244-1, Part 3 (a) ("Production and dissemination of materials containing a threat to public security and public order") and Article 244-2, Part 1 ("Creation, leadership or participation in religious extremist, separatist, fundamentalist or other banned organisations") Last court decision: Sentenced on 28th June 2010 to nine years of detention.

Shakirzhon KHAMDAMOV

Date and place of arrest: 2010 Charges: Jailed for meeting with others to study the Koran and pray. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Criminal Code Article 244-1, Part 3 (a) ("Production and dissemination of materials containing a threat to public security and public order") and Article 244-2, Part 1 ("Creation, leadership or participation in religious extremist, separatist, fundamentalist or other banned organisations") Last court decision: Sentenced on 28th June 2010 to nine years of detention.

Bobur KHATAMOV

Date and place of arrest: 2010 Charges: Meeting with others to study the Koran and pray. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Criminal Code Article 244-1, Part 3 (a) ("Production and dissemination of materials containing a threat to public security and public order") and Article 244-2, Part 1 ("Creation, leadership or participation in religious extremist, separatist, fundamentalist or other banned organisations") Last court decision: Sentenced on 28th June 2010 to nine years of detention. Place of detention: Karshi Labour Camp

Rakhmatilla MAKHMUDOV

Date and place of arrest: 2010 in Zangiota, Tashkent Region Charges: Jailed for meeting with others to study the Koran and pray. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Criminal Code Article 244-1, Part 3 (a) ("Production and dissemination of materials containing a threat to public security and public order") and Article 244-2, Part 1 ("Creation, leadership or participation in religious extremist, separatist, fundamentalist or other banned organisations") Last court decision: Sentenced on 28th June 2010 to nine years of detention.

Zoirjon MIRZAYEV

Age: 28 years

127 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Date and place of arrest: 8th April 2014 in the Tashkent Region Charges: Possession of extremist materials Last court decision: He was sentenced to five years in prison. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Criminal Code Article 246 Part 1 Other Information: Officials found 29 recordings of Muslim sermons on his mobile phone which were considered “extremist”.

Ulugbek OTAKUZIYEV

Date and place of arrest: 2010 Charges: Meeting with others to study the Koran and pray. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Criminal Code Article 244-1, Part 3 (a) ("Production and dissemination of materials containing a threat to public security and public order") and Article 244-2, Part 1 ("Creation, leadership or participation in religious extremist, separatist, fundamentalist or other banned organisations") Last court decision: Sentenced on 28th June 2010 to nine years of detention.

Ravshan RAHMATULLAYEV

Date and place of arrest: Around 28th December 2012 Charges: Illegal establishment or reactivation of illegal public associations or religious organisations, as well as active participation in their activities Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: – 216 ("Illegal establishment or reactivation of illegal public associations or religious organisations, as well as active participation in their activities"); – 244-1, Paragraph 3 ("Dissemination of materials containing ideas of religious extremism, separatism, and fundamentalism, calls for pogroms or violent eviction, or aimed at creating panic among the population, as well as the use of religion for purposes of breach of civil concord, dissemination of calumnious and destabilizing fabrications, and committing other acts aimed against the established rules of conduct in society and public order"). Point a, under which Rahmatullayev was convicted, specifies "with previous planning or by a group of individuals"; – 246 Part 1 ("Smuggling, that is carriage through the customs border without the knowledge of or with concealment from customs control of materials that propagandize religious extremism, separatism, and fundamentalism"). Statement of the defendant: He met in private for joint prayers and Koran reading. Last court decision: Six years in prison, on 17th July 2013 in Tashkent Place of detention: Karshi [Qarshi] Labour Camp

Shahlo RAKHMANOVA

Date of arrest: November 2009 Charges: Attempts to change the constitutional order of Uzbekistan

128 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Statement of Defendant: She was simply teaching Islam in a mosque in Karshi. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Article 159 (“attempts to change the constitutional order of Uzbekistan”), and article 244-1 (“preparation or distribution of materials threatening public security and public order”) Last court decision: In April 2010 she was sentenced to six and a half years in jail.

Mukhmadin SOTIVOLDIYEV

Date and place of arrest: 2010 Charges: Meeting with others to study the Koran and pray. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Criminal Code Article 244-1, Part 3 (a) ("Production and dissemination of materials containing a threat to public security and public order") and Article 244-2, Part 1 ("Creation, leadership or participation in religious extremist, separatist, fundamentalist or other banned organisations") Last court decision: Sentenced on 28th June 2010 to nine years of detention.

Avazbek TURAYEV

Date and place of arrest: 2010, in Tashkent Region Charges: Meeting with others to study the Koran and pray. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Criminal Code Article 244-1, Part 3 (a) ("Production and dissemination of materials containing a threat to public security and public order") and Article 244-2, Part 1 ("Creation, leadership or participation in religious extremist, separatist, fundamentalist or other banned organisations") Last court decision: Sentenced on 28th June 2010 to nine years of detention.

Rakhmonzhon TURABAYEV

Date of birth: 1984 Date and place of arrest: 2010, in Koson near Karshi Charges: Meeting with others to study the Koran and pray. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Criminal Code Article 244-1, Part 3 (a) ("Production and dissemination of materials containing a threat to public security and public order") and Article 244-2, Part 1 ("Creation, leadership or participation in religious extremist, separatist, fundamentalist or other banned organisations") Last court decision: Sentenced on 28th June 2010 to 13 years of detention for leading an "illegal religious meeting."

Khayrullo TURSUNOV

Age: 38 years Place of residence: Almaty, Kazakhstan Date and place of arrest: 7th April 2012, Aktobe Kazakhstan, 13th March Uzbekistan

129 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Charges: Extremist religious activity Statement of the defendant: Practiced faith outside of state run mosques, fled to Kazakhstan. Place of detention: Aktobe Kazakhstan, moved to Almaty on 13th February 2013, moved on 13th March to Tashkent, Uzbekistan First court decision in Kazakhstan: On 9th April 2012, Aktobe City Specialized Administrative Court approved his detention, which was subsequently extended several times by the court. Other events: On 25th October 2012, Kazakh Deputy General Prosecutor Khalimoc approved the decision to extradite. Second court decision: On 22nd November 2012, Astana Regional Court referred Tursunov’s appeal to Aktobe City Court No. 2. Third court decision: On 25th December 2012, Judge Kusanova upheld the extradition. Fourth court decision: On 18th January 2013, a panel of Judges at Aktobe Regional Court rejected Tursunov’s appeal and upheld his extradition. Final court decision in Uzbekistan: He was sentenced to 12 years in prison by the Kashkadarya Regional Criminal Court in June 2013.

Ravshanbek UMARBAYEV

Date of birth: 1969 Date and place of arrest: 2010, in Karshi Charges: Meeting with others to study the Koran and pray. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code: Criminal Code Article 244-1, Part 3 (a) ("Production and dissemination of materials containing a threat to public security and public order") and Article 244-2, Part 1 ("Creation, leadership or participation in religious extremist, separatist, fundamentalist or other banned organisations") and Article 159, Part 4 ("Violent attempts to change the Constitutional order"). Last court decision: Sentenced on 28th June 2010 to 14 years of detention for leading an "illegal religious meeting." Collective Arrests

Gayrat KHUSANOV and Shuhrat YUNUSOV

Place of residence: Tashkent Region Date of arrest: Between mid-May and 26th July 2012 Statement of the defendants: They were meeting to read the Koran, discuss their faith and to learn how to pray. Place of detention: Yangibazar Detention Centre in Tashkent Region First court decision: On 22nd November 2012, Yukorichirchik District Court sentenced Khusanov and Yunusov to seven years in prison.

130 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Criminal Code Article 244.1: Production and distribution of materials that create a threat to public security and public order.

Said Nursi Readers (Muslims)

Akmal ABDULLAYEV

Date and place of arrest: 2010 Charges: Participation in an extremist organisation Last court decision: Tried in Bukhara sometime in/after June 2010. Decision unknown. Other information: Released in February 2015 on the basis of a presidential pardon, but only after repenting and asking the President for forgiveness.

Nutfullo AMINOV

Age: 37 years Date of arrest: Early 2010 Charges: Participation in an extremist organisation Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Criminal Code Article 244-1 Part 3 Point A and Article 244-2 Part 1 Last court decision: He was sentenced to eight years in prison.

Mukhtar HOTAMOV

Age: 38 years Date of arrest: Early 2010 Charges: Participation in an extremist organisation. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Criminal Code Article 244-1 Part 3 Point A and Article 244-2 Part 1 Last court decision: He was sentenced to six years in prison.

Umidjon JUMAYEV

Age: 40 years Date of arrest: Early 2010 Charges: Participation in an extremist organisation Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Criminal Code Article 244-1 Part 3 Point A and Article 244-2 Part 1 Last court decision: He was sentenced to six years in prison.

Ikrom MERAJOV

131 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016

Age: 42 years Date and place of arrest: April 2009 in Bukhara Charges: Participation in an extremist organisation Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Criminal Code Article 244-1 Part 3 Point A and Article 244-2 Part 1 Last court decision: He was sentenced to nine years in prison. Other Information: He was a University lecturer and studied works written by Said Nursi.

Kamal ODILOV

Age: 37 years Date of arrest: Early 2010 Charges: Participation in an extremist organisation Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Criminal Code Article 244-1 Part 3 Point A and Article 244-2 Part 1 Last court decision: He was sentenced to six years in prison.

Ahmadjon PRIMKULOV

Date of arrest: Early 2010 Charges: Participation in an extremist organisation Other information: Released in February 2015 on the basis of a presidential pardon, but only after repenting and asking the President for forgiveness.

Ahmad RAKHMONOV

Date of arrest: Early 2010 Charges: Participation in an extremist organisation Other information: Released in February 2015 on the basis of a presidential pardon, but only after repenting and asking the President for forgiveness.

Ilkhom RAJABOV

Age: 36 years Date of arrest: Early 2010 Charges: Participation in an extremist organisation Article of the criminal code: Criminal Code Article 244-1 Part 3 Point A and Article 244-2 Part 1 Last court decision: He was sentenced to eight years in prison.

Rashid SHARIPOV

132 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Age: 39 years Date of arrest: Early 2010 Charges: Participation in an extremist organisation Article of the criminal code: Criminal Code Article 244-1 Part 3 Point A and Article 244-2 Part 1 Last court decision: He was sentenced to seven years in prison. Other information: Released in February 2015 on the basis of a presidential pardon, but only after repenting and asking the President for forgiveness.

Tukhtakul SHODIYEV

Age: 32 years Date of arrest: Early 2010 Charges: Participation in an extremist organisation Article of the criminal code: Criminal Code Article 244-1 Part 3 Point A and Article 244-2 Part 1 Last court decision: He was sentenced to seven years in prison.

Botir TUKHTAMURODOV

Date and place of arrest: April 2009 in Bukhara Charges: Participation in an extremist organisation Article of the criminal code: Criminal Code Article 244-1 Part 3 Point A and Article 244-2 Part 1 Last court decision: He was sentenced to six years in prison.

Iskandar UBAYDOV

Age: 25 years Date of arrest: Early 2010 Charges: Participation in an extremist organisation Article of the criminal code: Criminal Code Article 244-1 Part 3 Point A and Article 244-2 Part 1 Last court decision: He was sentenced to six years in prison.

Anvar ZARIPOV14

Age: 37 years Date of arrest: Early 2010 Charges: Participation in an extremist organisation Article of the criminal code: Criminal Code Article 244-1 Part 3 Point A and Article 244-2 Part 1 Last court decision: He was sentenced to six years in prison.

133 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016

Protestants

Doniyor AKHMEDOV

Date and place of arrest: 16th March 2015 Statement of the defendant: He offered a religious leaflet to a passer-by on the street. First court decision: He was sentenced to 15 days in prison. Other info: After his release he was resummoned to court and fined the equivalent of three years minimum wage.

Tohar HAYDAROV

Age: 27 years Place of residence: Gulistan Date of arrest: 18th January 2010 Charges: Illegal production purchase, storage and other operations with narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances without the purpose of selling Statement of the defendant: The case has been fabricated and the police planted the drugs on him. Place of detention: UYa 64/49 otryad 13 pos. Shaikh-Ali g. Karshi, Kashkadarya Region, Uzbekistan First court decision: On 9th March 2010, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Article of the criminal/civil/administrative code or law: Article 276 Part 2a.m., Uzbekistan Criminal Code Other information: The charges are believed to have been fabricated and came after relatives asked local police to help them force Tohar, a convert to Christianity, to return to Islam.

VIETNAM

Hao Hoa Buddhists

Mai Thӏ DUNG

Date of birth: 1969 Date and place of arrest: 2005 Charges: Causing public disorder Statement of the defendant: She is an activist for Hao Hoa Buddhism. Article of the criminal code: Article 245 of the Penal Code

134 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Last court decision: On 19th September 2007, she was sentenced to 11 years in prison. Place of detention: K5 of Z30, Xuan Loc, Dong Nai Date of release: 17th April 2015 Other info: Mai suffers from paralysis in both legs and is in very poor health due to a gall bladder infection. She was unconditionally released 16 months prior to the end of her prison term.

Nguyen Van LIA

Age: 71 years Date and place of arrest: April 2011 Charges: A.D.F.s to infringe upon the interests of the state Statement of the defendant: He broke away from the state authorized Buddhism. Article of the criminal code: Article 268 of the Penal Code Last court decision: Five years in prison Date of release: 24th October 2015

Bùi Văn THÂM

Date of birth: 1987 Date and place of arrest: July 2012 Charges: Opposing the state Article of the administrative/civil/criminal code: Article 257 of the penal code Last court decision: He was sentenced to two years and six months in prison. Place of detention: An Phu prison camp Date of release: 26th January 2015

Buddhist (Unified Buddhist Sangha of Vietnam)

THICH QUANG DO

Age: 87 Date and place of arrest: 1998 Place of detention: Thanh Minh Zen Monastery in Ho Chi Min City (Saigon) Other info: Thich Quang Do has spent over 30 years in detention for his advocacy for religious freedom, democracy, and human rights. In 1982, he was sent into internal exile in northern Vietnam for protesting against the creation of a state-sponsored Buddhist Church. In 1995, he was charged with "undermining national solidarity" and sentenced to 5 years imprisonment. After international pressure, he was released in 1998, but placed directly under house arrest without any formal charges or indictment, where he currently resides. He

135 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 was named the Fifth Supreme Patriarch of the Unified Church of Vietnam in November 2011.

Catholic

NguyӉn Ĉình Cѭѫng

Date of birth: 1981 Date and place of arrest: 24th December 2011 Charges: Carrying out activities aimed at overthrowing the people administration Article of the criminal code: Article 79 of the Penal Code Last court decision: On 26th March 2012 he was sentenced to 11 years in prison. Place of detention: B14 prison, Thanh Liet, Hanoi Other info: He is a Catholic activist.

Protestants

Collective Arrest

TRANG A Cho, GIANG A Long, LI A Di, HAU A Giang (Hmongs)

Charges: Activities aimed at overthrowing the People’s Government Final court decision: On 12th December 2012, Cho was sentenced to seven years while the other three were all given three years in prison. Other information: They were among the five thousand Hmong who on 30th April 2011 had gathered near Huoi Khonm (Dien Bien Province) to perform prayer rituals and to demand religious freedom.

Individual Arrest

Am lINH (Montagnard)

Date of birth: 1943 Charges: Undermining the unity policy Article of the criminal code: Article 87 of the penal code Last court decision: On 9th August 2009, he was sentenced to eight years in prison. Place of detention: Gia Lai prison camp Other info: He was arrested in a mass crackdown of Montagnard house churches, which he was a member of.

Kpă SINH (Montagnard)

136 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Date of birth: 1959 Charges: Undermining the unity policy. Article of the criminal code: Article 87 of the penal code. Last court decision: On 5th April 2011 to eight years in prison and three years of house arrest. Place of detention: Gia Lai

Ksor Y DÚ (Montagnard)

Date of birth: 1963 Charges: Undermining the unity policy. Article of the criminal code: Article 87 of the Penal Code. Last court decision: On 15th November 2011, he was sentenced to eight years in prison and three years of house arrest. Place of detention: Phu Yên Other information: Ksor Y Du previously served a four year sentence of detention. He is a member of the house church movement “Vietnam Good News Mission.”

Duong Van Minh Believers (Hmongs)

A.D.F.= Abusing Democratic Freedom

Name Arrest Sentence Charges and Province Release Date Article of Date Criminal Code Duong Van 10/10/2013 21 months A.D.F., §258 VCC Tuyen 10/04/2015 Tu Quang Ly Van Dinh 19/11/2013 15 months A.D.F., §258 VCC Tuyen 07/01/2015 Quang Thao Quan 10/10/2013 18 months A.D.F., §258 VCC Tuyen 12/04/2015 Mua Quang Hoang Van 10/10/2013 18 months A.D.F., §258 VCC Tuyen 10/03/2015 Sang Quang Ly Van Hau 14/10/2013 3 years Unknown Tuyen -/4/2014 Quang Release on probation Hoang Van 14/10/2013 3 years Tuyen 02/01/2015 Pao Quang Release on probation Duong Van 14/2/2014 24 months A.D.F., §258 VCC Bac Kan Thanh Hoang Van 14/2/2014 18 months A.D.F., §258 VCC Bac Kan 15/4/2015 Su Vu A Su 22/11/2013 24 months A.D.F., §258 VCC Cao Bang

137 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016 Hoang Van 23/3/2014 15 months Unknown Bac Kan Sinh

138 Human Rights Without Frontiers Prisoners List 2015 as of 1 February 2016