Baha'i leaders in Iran charged with spying for Israel
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 12 February 2009 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Baha'i leaders in Iran charged with spying for Israel, 12 February 2009, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/499e98d98.html [accessed 30 May 2023] |
| 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. |
February 12, 2009
The symbol of the Baha'i faith in Iran
The International Baha'i Community says it is concerned that seven imprisoned members of the Baha'i faith are to be tried for charges including "espionage for Israel, insulting religious sanctities, and propaganda against the Islamic republic."
Diane Ala'i, the Baha'i community's envoy to the UN, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda that the International Baha'i Community "rejects all the accusations."
"They are just common Iranians who wanted to serve their society and their country," she added.
Tehran Deputy Prosecutor Hassan Haddad said the case will be sent to a revolutionary court next week.
Pressure on religious minorities, including Baha'is and Gonabadi Dervishes, has increased in Iran in recent years.
The Baha'i faith is not recognized in the Iranian Constitution.
The European Union has expressed "serious concern about the continuing systematic discrimination and harassment of the Iranian Baha'is on the grounds of their religion."
