Iran accused of excavating Baha'i cemetery
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 2 May 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Iran accused of excavating Baha'i cemetery, 2 May 2014, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/53a1385e7.html [accessed 5 January 2016] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
May 02, 2014
By RFE/RL's Radio Farda
The Baha'i International Community has accused Iran of excavating a cemetery where hundreds of Baha'i followers are buried.
The community called on Iranian authorities to halt the work in the graveyard in the southern city of Shiraz.
The U.S.-based Baha'i community's spokesperson, Farhad Sabetan, said on May 2 that the excavation has begun and that some 40 trucks are lined up to remove earth.
Sabetan said it's not clear if the move is aimed at putting pressure on the religious minority or if the authorities plan to use the land to construct buildings.
Sabetan said the land belonged to the Baha'i community but was illegally seized by authorities several years ago.
Sabetan said more than 40 Baha'i-owned cemeteries have been desecrated in Iran since 2005.
Baha'is routinely face persecution in Iran.
With reporting by AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
