# Iran's Baha'is: A Legacy of Persecution and Unyielding Faith **For over a century and a half, the Baha'i community in Iran has endured a relentless campaign of persecution, a stark testament to the challenges faced by religious minorities in the Islamic Republic.** This ongoing struggle, rooted deeply in the country's history and official policy, highlights a profound human rights crisis that often goes unnoticed by the wider world. The story of the Baha'is of Iran is one of extraordinary resilience in the face of systemic discrimination, a narrative that demands global attention and understanding. Despite their peaceful principles and significant contributions to Iranian society, Baha'is are the largest unrecognized religious minority in Iran, systematically targeted by state policies designed to suppress their growth and dispossess them of their rights and property. This article delves into the historical roots and current realities of this persecution, drawing from authoritative reports and official documents to shed light on the plight of a community striving for existence and dignity amidst relentless oppression. ## Table of Contents * [The Baha'i Faith: Origins and Core Principles in Iran](#the-bahai-faith-origins-and-core-principles-in-iran) * [A Century of Systemic Persecution: Historical Roots](#a-century-of-systemic-persecution-historical-roots) * [The 1991 Memorandum: Blueprint for Oppression](#the-1991-memorandum-blueprint-for-oppression) * [Manifestations of Discrimination: Daily Life Under Siege](#manifestations-of-discrimination-daily-life-under-siege) * [Denial of Education and Employment](#denial-of-education-and-employment) * [Arbitrary Arrests and Imprisonments](#arbitrary-arrests-and-imprisonments) * [The Intersectional Plight of Baha'i Women](#the-intersectional-plight-of-bahai-women) * [Demonization and Propaganda: A War of Narratives](#demonization-and-propaganda-a-war-of-narratives) * [International Condemnation and Calls for Justice](#international-condemnation-and-calls-for-justice) * [Resilience and Hope: The Unyielding Spirit of the Baha'is of Iran](#resilience-and-hope-the-unyielding-spirit-of-the-bahais-of-iran) --- ## The Baha'i Faith: Origins and Core Principles in Iran To truly grasp the complexities of the persecution faced by the Baha'is of Iran, it is essential to understand the origins and fundamental tenets of their faith. The Baha'i Faith is a religion founded in the 19th century, teaching the essential worth of all religions and the unity of all people. Established by Baháʼu'lláh, it initially developed in Iran and parts of the Middle East, a geographical context that deeply intertwines its history with that of the Persian nation. Baháʼu'lláh, born Mírzá Ḥusayn-ʻAlí Núrí, hailed from Iran’s nobility. His father was a minister in Iran’s government, which at the time supported Shi'i Islam as the state religion. Given his esteemed background, Baháʼu'lláh himself was offered a government position, a testament to his family's standing. However, his spiritual calling led him down a different path, one that would eventually lead to the establishment of a new global religion and, tragically, to relentless persecution. The central figure of the Baha'i Faith, Baháʼu'lláh, faced severe oppression from the outset. He was exiled and imprisoned in Acre by the Ottoman Sultan in 1868, where he later passed away. This significant event occurred decades before the establishment of the state of Israel, underscoring the historical context of his exile and the deep roots of the Baha'i presence in the region. Today, Baháʼu'lláh's shrine in Acre holds sacred significance for all Baha'is worldwide, not just those in Iran. It serves as the Baha'i Qibla, the point of adoration, as referenced even by Iranian media outlets like Mashregh News, highlighting its undeniable spiritual importance. The faith's emphasis on unity, peace, and the independent investigation of truth, however, placed it at odds with the established religious and political order in Iran, setting the stage for over a century and a half of systematic discrimination. ## A Century of Systemic Persecution: Historical Roots The persecution of the Baha'is of Iran is not a recent phenomenon but a deeply entrenched historical reality. For three and a half decades, as noted by the Universal House of Justice in March 2013, "wave after wave of persecution, varying in intensity, has battered your sorely tried and valiant community, a barrage that is but the latest in a series unleashed over one hundred and sixty years ago." This long history of oppression underscores the systemic nature of the challenges faced by the Baha'i community in Iran. From its very inception in 19th-century Persia, the Baha'i Faith has faced ongoing persecution. The government of Iran has historically defined the Baháʼís as an 'other,' a tactic often employed to draw public attention away from governmental issues and internal unrest. This narrative has been consistently propagated, framing the Baha'i Faith not as a legitimate religion but as a political subversive organization. Iranian diplomats, when confronted by governments protesting the persecution, have consistently taken this stance, citing the Iranian constitution's articles on religious freedom while simultaneously denying that the Bahá'í Faith qualifies as a religion. This paradoxical position highlights the deep-seated animosity and official policy of repression against the Baha'is. Indeed, reports assert that Iran holds "extreme animus against adherents of the Baha'i faith," and the repression of this minority is not merely incidental but "enshrined in Iranian law and is official government policy." This legal and policy framework provides the foundation for the pervasive discrimination that Baha'is experience in every facet of their lives, from education and employment to property rights and personal security. The historical trajectory reveals a consistent pattern of state-sponsored efforts to marginalize, dispossess, and ultimately, eradicate the Baha'i community within its borders. ## The 1991 Memorandum: Blueprint for Oppression The systemic nature of the persecution of the Baha'is of Iran is perhaps best encapsulated by a single, chilling document: the 1991 Iranian Supreme Revolutionary Cultural Council memorandum. This memorandum, signed by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, is not merely a policy guideline but a comprehensive blueprint outlining state policies systematically discriminating against Baha’is. It represents a broad plan to block the development of the Iranian Bahá’í community and remains the lynchpin of Iran’s strategy of persecution today. The document's directives are far-reaching and insidious, designed to ensure that Baha'is are marginalized in every possible way. It explicitly restricts their access to jobs, thereby crippling their ability to earn a livelihood and contribute to the economy. But its scope extends far beyond employment, aiming to undermine the very fabric of the Baha'i community. The "callouts" — various phrases from the memorandum — reveal a calculated strategy to suppress the Baha'i presence through non-violent means, avoiding international outcry while achieving the same devastating effect as overt violence. This memorandum serves as a foundational text for the ongoing human rights abuses against the Baha'is. It provides legal and ideological justification for discriminatory practices across various sectors, from education to property ownership. For over three decades, this document has guided the Iranian authorities' actions, ensuring that the persecution is not random or isolated but a deliberate, coordinated effort by the state. Understanding this memorandum is crucial to comprehending the depth and persistence of the challenges faced by the Baha'is of Iran, as it lays bare the official intent to dismantle their community. ## Manifestations of Discrimination: Daily Life Under Siege The policies outlined in the 1991 memorandum translate into concrete, devastating impacts on the daily lives of the Baha'is of Iran. Their existence is characterized by a pervasive system of discrimination and oppression, brazenly imposed by Iranian authorities. This includes systematic denial of fundamental human rights, impacting their ability to pursue education, secure employment, and even retain their property. ### Denial of Education and Employment One of the most severe forms of discrimination against the Baha'is is the systematic denial of their right to education and employment. The 1991 memorandum explicitly restricts their access to jobs, effectively barring them from most public sector positions and making it exceedingly difficult to find work in the private sector. This economic strangulation is designed to impoverish the community and force them into untenable situations. Reports, including those from the Baha'i International Community (BIC), consistently highlight the "Denial of the right of education for Bahá’ís," with the latest overview published in June 2024. Baha'i youth are often expelled from universities or denied admission outright, simply because of their faith. This policy ensures that a generation of Baha'is is deprived of opportunities for advancement and self-sufficiency, perpetuating a cycle of marginalization. Furthermore, Baha'is are frequently dispossessed of their land and property. Iranian authorities have adopted discriminatory laws, policies, and institutional practices specifically designed to "expel and dispossess Baha'is of their land and property, and deprive them of their human rights." This can involve confiscation of homes, businesses, and even cemeteries, leaving families destitute and without recourse. ### Arbitrary Arrests and Imprisonments Beyond economic and educational discrimination, the Baha'is of Iran face constant threats of arbitrary arrest and imprisonment. In recent months, there has been an intensification of attacks against Baha'is, leading to a rise in arrests and detentions. The charges leveled against them are often vague and politically motivated, designed to criminalize their religious practices. For example, local media reported that Iran arrested 13 adherents of the banned Baha’i faith, accusing them of "proselytising to children and adolescents," drawing condemnation from international bodies. These accusations are often baseless, serving as pretexts for persecution. A recent case highlights this chilling reality: just days ago, Anisa Fanaeian, an Iranian Baha'i woman in Semnan, was arrested by Islamic Republic security forces and taken to prison. Fanaeian had been sentenced in March 2024 to seven years in prison on charges such as "forming groups to act against national security," "educational activities and propagating against Sharia Islam," and "propaganda against the regime." These are common, broad accusations used to suppress any form of Baha'i community life or expression, effectively criminalizing their faith itself. The constant threat of arrest and imprisonment creates an environment of fear and instability for every Baha'i in Iran. ## The Intersectional Plight of Baha'i Women The persecution faced by the Baha'is of Iran is further compounded for women within the community, who experience what is known as intersectional persecution. This means they face discrimination not only as Baha'is but also as women, a double burden that intensifies their vulnerability and limits their freedoms. In July 2024, a significant development highlighted this specific plight: a group of 18 United Nations Special Rapporteurs and UN Working Group experts released a joint letter of allegations rebuking the Islamic Republic of Iran for the recent rise in attacks against Baha’i women. This joint letter underscores the grave concerns of the international community regarding the targeted nature of these abuses. The "Current situation overview of trends of persecution against Baha'is in Iran (July 2024)" explicitly notes a "Rise in attacks against Baha'i women" as a worrying trend observed from July 2023 to the present. Women from Iran’s Baha'i community face compounded challenges, as they are subjected to the general discriminatory policies against Baha'is – such as denial of education, employment, and property rights – alongside gender-based discrimination prevalent in Iranian society. This can manifest in various forms, from harsher sentences in judicial proceedings to increased vulnerability to harassment and violence. The authorities exploit both their religious identity and their gender to exert maximum pressure, aiming to dismantle the Baha'i community by targeting its most vulnerable members. The international community's focus on this specific aspect of persecution signals a growing recognition of the unique and severe challenges faced by Baha'i women in Iran. ## Demonization and Propaganda: A War of Narratives Beyond direct legal and physical oppression, the Iranian government wages a relentless media campaign to demonize Baha'is, a crucial component of its strategy to justify persecution and maintain public animosity. This propaganda often scapegoats Bahá’ís for economic and political unrest in Iran, creating a convenient diversion for public discontent and fostering an environment of suspicion and hatred. The Baha'i International Community (BIC) has extensively documented this campaign. In October 2011, the BIC published a detailed report titled "Inciting Hatred," which analyzed media items between late 2009 and early 2011. This report meticulously cataloged the pervasive nature of the state-sponsored media's efforts to spread misinformation and incite animosity against the Baha'i community. The propaganda is characterized by a range of baseless accusations, including espionage, promiscuity, and being agents of foreign powers. These allegations are entirely unsubstantiated but are relentlessly repeated across state-controlled media, including television, radio, newspapers, and online platforms. By consistently portraying Baha'is as a threat to national security or moral fabric, the government seeks to legitimize its repressive policies in the eyes of its own population. This narrative manipulation not only justifies existing discrimination but also prepares the ground for further abuses, making it easier for authorities to arrest, imprison, and dispossess Baha'is without significant public backlash within Iran. The "war of narratives" is a critical battleground for the Baha'is of Iran, as it directly impacts public perception and, consequently, their safety and well-being. ## International Condemnation and Calls for Justice The egregious human rights violations against the Baha'is of Iran have not gone unnoticed by the international community. Over the decades, there has been growing interest and condemnation from various international bodies, human rights organizations, and governments worldwide. In response to this growing interest, the Baha'i International Community (BIC) launched a dedicated website, "Archives of Baha'i Persecution in Iran" (iranbahaipersecution.bic.org). This crucial online resource makes available, for the first time, thousands of official documents, reports, and testimonies, providing a comprehensive glimpse into several decades of discriminatory treatment against the Baha'is in that country. The BIC itself regularly produces key reports and documents detailing the ongoing persecution. Recent publications include "Persecution and Resilience in Iran (September 2024)," "Overview of trends of persecution against Baha'is in Iran (July 2024)," and the "BIC contribution to Iran UPR Fourth Cycle (July 2024)." These reports serve as vital evidence, meticulously documenting the violations and providing a basis for international advocacy. The "Baha'i Question" is a long-standing item on the agenda of various UN human rights bodies, reflecting the persistent concern over the plight of this community. International bodies and experts have consistently called for an end to these abuses. United Nations Special Rapporteurs and UN Working Group experts have repeatedly urged the Islamic Republic of Iran to cease its discriminatory practices. The overarching demand from the international community is clear: "Iranian authorities must immediately abolish all discriminatory laws, policies, and institutional practices which have been adopted to expel and dispossess Baha'is of their land and property, and deprive them of their human rights." Despite these persistent calls, Iranian diplomats have often maintained their stance, denying the Baha'i Faith's religious legitimacy and dismissing international concerns. However, the consistent pressure and documentation efforts continue to shine a light on the situation, keeping the Baha'is of Iran on the global human rights agenda. ## Resilience and Hope: The Unyielding Spirit of the Baha'is of Iran Despite the relentless and systematic persecution, the Baha'is of Iran have demonstrated an extraordinary degree of resilience and an unyielding spirit. Their response to oppression has been characterized not by retaliation or violence, but by steadfastness, peaceful resistance, and an unwavering commitment to their faith and principles. This enduring fortitude is a testament to the strength of their convictions and the deep spiritual bonds that unite their community. As the Universal House of Justice, the international governing body of the Baha'i Faith, affirmed in its 2 March 2013 message to the Baha'is of Iran: "Dearly loved friends, for three and a half decades now, wave after wave of persecution, varying in intensity, has battered your sorely tried and valiant community, a barrage that is but the latest in a series unleashed over one hundred and sixty years ago." Yet, despite this constant battering, the community remains vibrant, maintaining its identity and continuing to contribute to society in whatever ways possible, even under severe constraints. The resilience of the Baha'is of Iran is not merely passive endurance; it is an active and conscious choice to uphold their principles of unity, justice, and service, even when faced with existential threats. Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit's capacity to persevere in the face of adversity, and their continued existence is a beacon of hope for religious freedom and human rights globally. The international community's sustained attention, fueled by the comprehensive documentation provided by organizations like the Baha'i International Community, plays a crucial role in supporting this resilience and amplifying their calls for justice. The Baha'is of Iran, though severely tested, continue to inspire with their unwavering faith and commitment to a better world. ## Conclusion The plight of the Baha'is of Iran stands as a profound and enduring human rights tragedy. For over 160 years, and particularly since the chilling 1991 memorandum, this peaceful religious minority has faced a systematic, state-sponsored campaign of discrimination, marginalization, and persecution. From the denial of basic rights like education and employment to arbitrary arrests, imprisonment, and the insidious spread of demonizing propaganda, the Baha'is of Iran endure an existence under siege. The intensified attacks on Baha'i women further highlight the cruel intersectionality of their suffering. Despite this relentless pressure, the Baha'i community in Iran has shown remarkable resilience, steadfastly adhering to their principles of unity and peace. Their story is a powerful testament to the enduring human spirit in the face of profound injustice. The international community, through the tireless efforts of organizations like the Baha'i International Community and the unwavering advocacy of United Nations experts, continues to shed light on these abuses and demand accountability from the Iranian authorities. It is imperative that the world does not turn a blind eye to the ongoing suffering of the Baha'is of Iran. We must continue to advocate for the immediate abolition of all discriminatory laws and policies that have systematically dispossessed them of their rights and dignity. Learn more about their struggle by visiting the Archives of Baha'i Persecution in Iran (iranbahaipersecution.bic.org) and sharing their story. Your awareness and support can contribute to the global call for justice, helping to ensure that one day, the Baha'is of Iran can live freely, without fear of persecution, in their ancestral homeland.
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