"Faith in Chains, Justice in Silence," a New Wave of Repression of Baha'is in Iran
A new wave of repression of Baha'is in Iran has once again targeted justice, freedom of faith, and human dignity.
In days when the world is still reeling from the consequences of war and violence in the Middle East, the news of the heavy sentences handed down to ten Baha'i women in Isfahan has raised a new alarm bell for religious freedom in Iran.
According to reports published on social media, the Isfahan Provincial Court of Appeals has upheld the initial verdict against these women and sentenced them to a total of 90 years in prison, a fine of 900 million Tomans, and additional penalties.
The official charge against them is “deviant propaganda and educational activity contrary to Islamic law through the promotion and teaching of Baha’i beliefs.” But what is surprising and worrying are the examples of these charges: holding classes in painting, English, yoga, and nature tourism.
The names of these Baha'i women who are currently facing execution are: "Yeghaneh Aghasi, Yeganeh Roohbakhsh, Arezo Sobhanian, Mojgan Shahrezaei, Shana Shoghifar, Neda Emadi, Neda Badakhsh, Parastu Hakim, Neda Emadi, and Bahareh Lotfi."
Since the early years of the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979, the Christian and Baha'i communities in Iran have been the target of structural discrimination and systematic oppression. Baha'is have been denied basic citizenship rights such as education, employment, and freedom of belief, and in many cases have been arrested, tried, or ostracized solely for their religious beliefs.
Human rights activists say the new wave of arrests and judicial sentences should be seen as a continuation of the policy of suppressing religious minorities, which has intensified following recent tensions in the region.
An international observer stated in an interview with foreign media: "When holding art or educational classes is recognized as an example of deviant propaganda, it means that the judicial system has become a tool to silence any independent cultural and social activity."
For the global Christian community, this event is a reminder of a profound challenge: Will the international conscience remain silent in the face of the suppression of faith?
Christian teachings call us to defend the freedom of faith and the dignity of human beings, regardless of their religion or belief. As Christ said: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10).
The sentences issued against these ten Baha'i women are not only a clear violation of religious freedom, but also a symbol of the continuing repression of the faith in contemporary Iran, a repression that today targets Baha'is, but whose consequences encompass all of society.
The global Christian community must pray and be a voice for these women and all those who suffer for their religious beliefs in Iran and other countries. Freedom of faith is a divine heritage of humanity and no government should shackle it.
