One would think we Iranians, who live abroad, are immune from the intimidation that the government of Iran plays on its citizens. But no! Even if you have a another nationality they keep asking people, who go to the embassy, about you. In the country I live, my students in the university have been asked if they knew me. Of course they do! Some have gotten so scared that they have disconnected from me on facebook, some others don’t want to be seen with me in public. Perhaps the media observers of the Iranian Embassy have noticed that the media in our country is regulary exposing Iran’s abuse of human rights, in particular against the Bahá’ís, and that I, as well as many others around the globe, do everything we can to defend our brothers and sisters who are imprisoned for their beliefs. What kind of a world do we live in? I am a Baha’i for real 🙂 I have chosen to be one and with that I mean I have chosen a life style that includes my own spiritual development and active participation of building an ever advancing civilization. I have chosen to be honest with myself and with my surrounding, although I find it quite challenging I must say. I believe that ”The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds, through commendable and seemly conduct”.
And I am lying if I say I am not looking for co-workers on this path. I do. I want all the people of the world to be engaged in pure and goodly deeds. But I do know that this is everyone’s choice and I am no mullah or priest to preech this. I am just sharing what my dream and longing is. I had forgotten though that I was born in Iran and although I am not holding an Iranian citizenship it seems noone is tolerated be a dreamer 🙂
Once upon a time in 25 of February 1991 a secret blue print found its way out of Iran (see below the whole text) and under point B.#6 you can read: A plan must be devised to confront and destroy their cultural roots (Baha’is) outside the country.
When I heard that the Iranian Embassy is asking about me from my Iranian students I don’t know how I felt. I wanted to understand them as I always try to understand people. Of course, I have given up understanding the government of Iran, because that is beyond my capacity and I do not insist anymore. But I tried to understand why some of those students who have become so close and dear to my heart are now scared to be seen with me? What is going on in their minds? Do they have doubts about friendly human relationships? Are they scared? Have they been threatend?
I wish you could answer my questions.
THE ISRCC DOCUMENT
(Translation from Persian)
In the Name of God!
The Islamic Republic of Iran
The Supreme Revolutionary Cultural Council
Number: 1327/….
Date: 6/12/6 (25 February 1991)
Enclosure: None
CONFIDENTIAL
Dr. Seyyed Mohammad Golpaygani
Head of the Office of the Esteemed Leader (Khamenei)
Greetings!
After greetings, with reference to the letter #1/783 dated 10/10/69 ([31 December 1990), concerning the instructions of the Esteemed Leader which had been conveyed to the Respected President regarding the Bahá’í question, we inform you that, since the respected President and the Head of the Supreme Revolutionary Cultural Council had referred this question to this Council for consideration and study, it was placed on the Council’s agenda of session #128 on 16/11/69 (5 February 1991) and session #119 of 2/11/69 (22 January 1991). In addition to the above, and further to the discussions held in this regard in session #112 of 2/5/66 (24 July 1987) presided over by the Esteemed Leader (head and member of the Supreme Council), the recent views and directives given by the Esteemed Leader regarding the Bahá’í question were conveyed to the Supreme Council. In consideration of the contents of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as the religious and civil laws and general policies of the country, these matters were carefully studied and decisions pronounced.
In arriving at the decisions and proposing reasonable ways to counter the above question, due consideration was given to the wishes of the Esteemed Leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran [Khamenei], namely, that “in this regard a specific policy should be devised in such a way that everyone will understand what should or should not be done.” Consequently, the following proposals and recommendations resulted from these discussions.
The respected President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as the Head of the Supreme Revolutionary Cultural Council, while approving these recommendations, instructed us to convey them to the Esteemed Leader (Khamenei) so that appropriate action may be taken according to his guidance.
SUMMARY OF THE RESULTS OF THE DISCUSSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION
A. General status of the Bahá’ís within the country’s system
- They will not be expelled from the country without reason.
B. Educational and cultural status
- They can be enrolled in schools provided they have not identified themselves as Bahá’ís.
C. Legal and social status
- Permit them a modest livelihood as is available to the general population.
Wishing you divine confirmations,
Secretary of the Supreme Revolutionary Cultural Council
Dr. Seyyed Mohammad Golpaygani
Signature
Note in the handwriting of Mr. Khamenei
In the Name of God!
The decision of the Supreme Revolutionary Cultural Council seems sufficient.
I thank you gentlemen for your attention and efforts.