The systematic persecution of Bahais in Iran intensified in the month of April. Again and again individual Bahais are being arbitrarily arrested. They are sometimes released against a substantial amount of bail money. They are, however, not the only ones affected by state repression; Christians are under unprecedented pressure as well. The treatment of religious minorities in Iran is a litmus test for society’s freedom there. Iran has a four-class society when it comes to the treatment of religious groups and religious minorities. The Khodi are the recognised Muslims, who identify with the absolute rule of the clergy and submit to their dictatorial demands. In the second class are the less loyal Muslims, who do not accept the totalitarian dictatorship’s religious constitution and advocate a secular democracy.
