News

Islamic Republic security forces have arrested eight Baha’i youth at a craft show held at the home of a Baha’i citizen in Mashad.

The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reports that on Friday, security forces raided the home of a Baha’i citizen where a craft show was being held. The report indicates that after searching the house and interrogating participants, the forces took eight people into custody.

The participants were given forms to fill out, and their identities were recorded.

In recent months, Iran’s Baha’i community has been assailed by the government.

Two weeks ago, four Baha’is were summoned by the Ministry of Intelligence in Shiraz and were arrested once they reported for questioning.

Earlier, the homes of 30 Baha’i families were raided and at least seven people were arrested.

The Baha’i Open University (BIHE) has also been the target of an Islamic Republic clampdown, with many of its staff and faculty members arrested and its activities branded as illegal by the Intelligence and Education ministries.

Although Baha’ism originated in Iran, the Islamic Republic does not accept the Baha’i faith as an official religion, and members of the Baha’i community face widespread discrimination in all areas of life.