PRESS RELEASE IHRDC CONDEMNS CONTINUED PERSECUTION OF IRANIAN BAHA’IS February 2, 2009 NEW HAVEN – The Iran Human Rights Documentation Center (IHRDC) condemns the Islamic Republic of Iran’s escalated campaign against the national community, which…
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Open Letter featured on CNN
TEHRAN, Iran (CNN) — A group of Iranian intellectuals released a public apology this week for what they say is a long history of the country’s mistreatment of a religious group called the Baha’i. The…
Iran's Secret Purges
Two weeks have passed since I heard the alarming news: Aziz Samandari, my cousin in Tehran, was arrested in a pre-dawn raid by Iranian intelligence officials. To date, no formal charges have been framed, and…
Release of Four Baha'is
On Tuesday, February 3, 2009, the Baha’i International Community announced that four Baha’is who had been incarcerated since 18 January, 2009, were released on providing surety. These individuals were: Mrs. Farzaneh Ahmadzadeh (Fanaian), Ms. Amelia…
“They don’t want to leave a trace of anything Baha’i”
Some fear the oppression of a little-known religious minority in Iran is intensifying Naeim Tavakkoli last saw his father Behrouz three years ago in Tehran’s infamous Evin prison. Behrouz, a leader in among the 300,000…
India's Open Letter Regarding the Yaran
Editor’s Note: Although this letter was published in June 2008, Iran Press Watch thought it was another significant indication of international outcry against injustice perpetrated against the Baha’i community of Iran. This open letter was…
We are Ashamed!
Editor’s Note: The following is an open letter from a group of academics, writers, artists, journalists and Iranian activists throughout the world to the Baha’i community. This letter has been signed by a large number…
Another Arrest in Tehran
Another member of Tehran’s Baha’i community was arrested after summons to a meeting. The Ministry of Intelligence had previously summoned Namya Haghar, a Baha’i from Tehran, to arrive at the Vali-Asr Square office on February…
Certificate in Anti-Baha’i Studies!
Editor’s Note: In light of increased attacks on the Baha’i community in Iran and further systematization of these hostilities, the following story in Ayandeh Roushan [Bright Future] News Agency caught our attention and is presented…
Shirin Ebadi’s Objections
Editor’s Note: The following is a translation of a commentary posted on Javan [“youth”] blog. “Bist va Si”, a well-known TV program among Iranians, stated on behalf of Shirin Ebadi, “I am proud of defending…
The Baha’i Situation in Iran is Deteriorating!
Editor’s Note: Mrs. Kit Bigelow is the Director of External Affairs of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States. She was interviewed by Radio Farda’s reporter, Newsha Boghrati, and Iran Press…
Behrouz Tavakkoli – A Profile in Courage
By Naeim Tavakkoli Editor’s Note: Iran Press Watch is pleased to share the following profile of Behrouz Tavakkoli outlined by his son, Naeim. Mr. Tavakkoli is one of the seven members of the national body…
Baha'i International Community deplores destruction of Khavaran cemetery
GENEVA, 30 January (BWNS) – The destruction earlier this month of a cemetery in Iran used for the mass burial of hundreds killed in the aftermath of the Islamic revolution in 1979 is an outrageous…
I Condemn Publication of the Baha’i Names!
Editor’s Note: We live in a new moment of history. For the first time in the entire history of the Baha’i Faith, Iranian intellectuals, journalists, university professors and generally Iranians of all walks of life…
Prayer for Prisoners
Editor’s Note: Iran Press Watch is pleased to share an authentic prayer of Baha’u’llah in Arabic for protection and delivery of Baha’i prisoners. This prayer is accompanied by special instructions revealed by Baha’u’llah pertaining to…
Zhinous Sobhani and Citizenship Rights
By Taqi Rahmani Zhinous Sobhani has been arrested. Those who believe in their own humanity don’t oppress the weak. But in the calculus of power there is no such consideration. To oppress the weak, to…