Shabtabnews In this dark night, I have lost my way – Arise from a corner, oh you the star of guidance.
iranwire – An Iranian Baha’i actress was taken to Evin Prison on Saturday to begin serving a prison sentence on propaganda charges.
Paria Marandiz was sentenced by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to three years in prison on charges of “propaganda activity against the Islamic Republic” during the 12-day war with Israel in June and “propaganda aimed at strengthening Israel.”
She was also banned from using social media for two years, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency.
Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the most severe sentence – two years for the charge of propaganda aimed at strengthening Israel – will be enforced. Eighteen months of the sentence has been suspended for five years.
Marandiz was summoned by the Intelligence Ministry on June 20, July 1 and July 13, and interrogated for several hours each time.
On June 17, security forces briefly detained Marandiz and searched her home, confiscating books, religious images, laptops and mobile phones belonging to her and her family members.
Marandiz has appeared in several films and theatrical productions.
Pressure and restrictions against Baha’i artists have intensified over the past year, with many facing bans on artistic activity, arrests and judicial sentences.
