Seven Baha'i citizens arrested in Bushehr
The Baha'i International Community announced in a statement that seven Baha'i citizens were arrested and detained in Bushehr on Tuesday. The citizens were reportedly arrested at their workplaces and residences in a coordinated operation.
No information has been released regarding the charges, reasons, or whereabouts of these Baha'i citizens in Iran. A news report also stated that their personal belongings were confiscated at the time of their arrest.
Previously, in its most recent annual report, Human Rights Watch once again accused Iranian security and judicial forces of "human rights violations" and warned about social discrimination, saying that 92 Baha'i believers were in prison.
The Freedom House organization also referred to repression and human rights violations in Iran in its new report, noting, among other things, that the Iranian government "vigorously" confronts Baha'is and some other citizens who believe in other beliefs, including unofficial interpretations of Islam.
Earlier, in January of this year, it was reported that a number of Baha'i shops in Tabriz had been sealed.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has been repeatedly accused of human rights violations. The ruling regime in Iran says it does not recognize the Baha'i Faith as an official religion.
According to the Baha'i International Community, since the early formation of this faith in Iran (1844 to 1920), its followers have been murdered by order of the clergy and the government and have always been the target of persecution and repression.
Source: Radio Farda
