Afif Naeimi

Afif Naeimi (September 6, 1961) was one of the seven members of the group known as the Friends in Iran. Mr. Naeimi was arrested on the 14th of May, 2008 at his home in Tehran. He remains in prison with his colleagues.

Biography

Afif Naeimi is an industrialist who was unable to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor because as a Bahá’í he was denied access to a university education. Instead, he diverted his attention to business, one of the few avenues of work open to Bahá’ís, taking over his father-in-law’s blanket and textile factory.

He was born on 6 September 1961 in Yazd. His father died when he was three and he was raised in part by his uncles. While still in elementary school, he was sent to live with relatives in Jordan and, although he started with no knowledge of Arabic, he soon rose to the top of his class.

He has long been active in volunteer Bahá’í service. He has taught Bahá’í children’s classes, conducted classes for adults, taught at the BIHE, and been a member of the Auxiliary Board, an appointed position which serves principally to inspire, encourage, and promote learning among Bahá’ís.

He married Ms. Shohreh Khallokhi in the early 1980s. They have two sons, Fareed Naeimi, 27, who is married and a graduate of the ABSI, and Sina Naeimi, 22, who has studied music.

References

• "Lives of service: Profiles of seven imprisoned Baha'is". Bahá’í World News Service. 12 February 2009. Retrieved 13 March 2010.