How Iran persecutes its oldest religion
cnn / Jamsheed K. Choksy
14-Nov-2011 (4 comments)


Bloomington, Indiana (CNN) -- As Zoroastrian funerary processions enter the graveyard overlooking the Tehran suburb of Ray, their sobriety is often shattered by the sound of explosions and gunfire. Frequently, the way forward is blocked by Islamic Revolutionary Guards conducting a combat exercise among the tombs. According to Zoroastrian custom, burial needs to take place within 24 hours, and the Revolutionary Guards will not halt their training activities there for the funerals.

This is just another sign of religious freedom fading in the Islamic Republic.

Much that is written about the Zoroastrians of Iran portrays them as a venerable and quaint religious community. But these followers of an ancient faith are not insulated from the tribulations of their country.

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alimostofi

The world calls a bunch of

by alimostofi on Mon Nov 14, 2011 10:21 PM PST

The world calls a bunch of madmen "Iranian". But then calls a bunch of Iranians "religious". Zoroastrian is a word invented by non Iranians based upon their mindset. Farhang Mehr and others like him and most Iranians now are "Zoroastrian".

Ali Mostofi

//twitter.com/alimostofi

 


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Anonymous Observer

What I never understood about this clip of Farhang Mehr

by Anonymous Observer on Mon Nov 14, 2011 02:42 PM PST

is why all the "chaploosi" of Khatami?  Shouldn't a leading member of a religious minority in a country ruled by a theocracy be a bit alarmed about that fate of his own people?  What is it with this wretched culture of ass kissing in Iranian culture?


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Disenchanted

Amazing...

by Disenchanted on Mon Nov 14, 2011 02:37 PM PST

 

            No matter how educated people get they can not rid themselves from the myths that their parents fed them! Two adults supposedly both reading different versions of God's book don't realize that there is something wrong with what they were told as toddlers!


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Darius Kadivar

Farhang-Mehr Asks President Khatami a Question (Boston)

by Darius Kadivar on Mon Nov 14, 2011 02:21 PM PST

A few years ago prominent Zoroastrian Farhang Mehr a former Minister of Education during Pahlavi Era as well as Chair of Pahlavi University of Shiraz asked Then President Khatami on the ignored rights of Zoroastrians in Iran:

 

 

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