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GENEVA — As a United Nations body concluded that Iran's persecution of Baha'is is clearly violating one of the world's major human rights treaties, the Baha'i International Community has learned of a recent wave of attacks on Baha'is and their property.

In Rasht, three women were arrested on charges of activity against national security following terrifying raids on 16 Baha'i homes. In Semnan, around ten Baha'i-owned shops were sealed up by the authorities and two business licences were cancelled. In the city of Sanandaj, it has been reported that authorities have attempted to persuade groups of Baha'is to give an undertaking not to participate in gatherings – known as the Nineteen Day Feast – held in the homes of their co-religionists.

"These recent events have all the appearance of being centrally coordinated," said Diane Ala'i, representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations, "and clearly contradict statements we often hear from the Iranian authorities that Baha'is are entitled to the same rights as others and that activities related to personal beliefs and community affairs are permitted."

More than 100 Baha'is are currently held in Iranian prisons. They include the community's seven leaders – each serving 20-year jail sentences on trumped up charges – and seven educators imprisoned for their involvement in an informal initiative established to help ... >>>