Further to Iran Press Watch report of April 16, 2009, http://www.iranpresswatch.org/2009/04/qibm/, on Tuesday, April 21, 2009, Human Rights Activists of Iran posted the following report, which appears below in translation:
In continuation of widespread harassment of the Baha’i residents of Mashhad, three (3) more Baha’is of this town were called in by the Information Office of the Ministry of Intelligence.
On April 14, 2009, Suheil Nasirzadeh, Babak Ruhi and Ezzatu’llah Ahmadian were summoned to the Information Office of the Intelligence Ministry. Like other Baha’is brought in during the recent days, they too were asked to sign a surety guaranteeing that they would not participate in religious gatherings [related to the Baha’i religion].
However, the above named individuals stated that such a request was illegal and refused to sign the document. Thereupon, Ruhi and Ahmadian were threatened by the authorities who stated, “If you continue to refuse to sign this statement, your previous case will be opened again.” It should be noted that three years ago, these two Baha’is were arrested for copying religious documents and were incarcerated by the Ministry of Intelligence for 15 days in Mashhad.
[Source: http://hra-iran.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=917:54&catid=84:502&Itemid=219. Translation by Iran Press Watch.]
April 21, 2009 4:46 pm
How far will Iranian authorities attempts to control people’s consciences go? How far will the authorities go in trying to get at what lies within the inmost soul? If there is a technology that will go to hidden thought, will they attempt to utilize it in their attempts to re-program dissidents? Is the spirit of Domitian that attempted to make Christians and Jews worship the statue of Caesar still upon us centuries after John of Patmos revealed the Revelation? Arrested for copying books in the privacy of their homes? And whom are they harming by their copying of books? And what ideology is so harmful that the authorities feel the need to cleanse it from the land of its birth? And is forcing people to embrace an ideology also a form of idolatry, no figuratively different than the idol of Domitian, because it has been elevated about G-d, the great I AM? This is sad because the idol of Big Brother is alive and well. What next?
April 21, 2009 4:54 pm
So well said, Mark. And by the way, thank you for your kind words on the other post. Your apologies were not needed! You are most kind. I appreciate your posts always.
April 21, 2009 4:55 pm
The Iranian officials have not really explained their position: it rings out without finality as the same charges. When will they give some charges that make sense rather than excuses for incarceration?
April 22, 2009 7:10 am
Bahai teachings stand for Unity, Independent search for truth and knowledge. These are all dangerous for the survival of clerical rule. They need to keep masses obedient, ignorant and frightened.