Seven Bahai Citizens Arrested in Bushehr

The Bahai World Community announced in a statement that on Tuesday, seven Bahai citizens were arrested and detained in Bushehr. Reports indicate that during a coordinated operation, these citizens were arrested at their workplaces and residences.

So far, no information has been released regarding the charges, reasons, or detention location of these Bahai citizens in Iran. A news report also stated that the personal belongings of these individuals were confiscated during their arrest.

Human Rights Watch previously warned in its latest annual report, while accusing Iran’s security and judicial forces of “human rights violations,” about social discrimination and stated that 92 Bahai believers are in prison.

The “House of Freedom” organization also referred to suppression and human rights violations in Iran in its recent report, noting that the Iranian government “severely” confronts Bahai followers and some other citizens with different beliefs, including non-official interpretations of Islam.

Previously, in December of this year, it was also reported that several Bahai-owned shops in Tabriz were sealed.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has been repeatedly accused of human rights violations. The ruling system in Iran says it does not recognize the Bahai faith as an official religion.

According to the international Bahai community, since the early formation of this faith in Iran (1844 to 1920), its followers have been killed by the order of the clergy and government and have always been subject to harassment and suppression.

Source: Radio Farda