Peyvand Naimi, a follower of the Baha’i faith, has been imprisoned in Iran for over six months, facing accusations of killing state security agents during protests. His family reports that no formal charges or concrete evidence have been presented against him. The prosecutor reportedly told Naimi’s family, “The Baha’is will not be released,” indicating a grim outlook for those targeted due to their religious beliefs.
The Persecution of Baha’is in Iran
Since the establishment of the Baha’i faith in the 19th century, its adherents in Iran have faced continuous persecution. This has intensified during times of national unrest, such as the ongoing anti-government protests and conflict with the U.S. and Israel. Human rights organizations report that the Iranian government is conducting a harsh crackdown on the Baha’i community, the largest non-Muslim religious minority in the country. Since the beginning of the year, dozens of Baha’is have been arrested because of their faith, with raids on homes resulting in the desecration of holy books and religious symbols, revealing the sectarian motivations of the authorities. Detainees have allegedly endured severe mistreatment, including torture tactics like electric shocks, while some have been coerced into confessing to capital offenses.
This intensified campaign against Baha’is reflects a broader crackdown in Iran, particularly following nationwide protests that began in late 2022. The response from security forces has been deadly, leading to thousands of fatalities and detaining tens of thousands. Despite multiple requests for comment, Iran’s Foreign Ministry has remained silent regarding the treatment of Baha’is amid global scrutiny.
Ongoing Scapegoating and Propaganda
The Iranian regime has aggressively targeted Baha’is, who constitute less than one percent of the population, through state-controlled media that blames them for the nation’s economic and social issues. Simin Fahandej, representing the Baha’i community at the United Nations, claims that during crises, the government shifts blame onto the Baha’is. Omid Ghaemmaghami, a Middle East studies professor, notes that this scapegoating serves to instill fear and maintain obedience among the populace.
Amidst such systemic repression, Baha’is often practice their faith in secrecy, while community members are encouraged to report suspected followers. This societal pressure further exacerbates the persecution, illustrated in the case of Naimi, who was arrested without participation in protests, yet was shown in a coerced confession on state television. His family insists that the confession was forced, and details regarding the purported crimes remain unsubstantiated.
Historical Context of Baha’i Persecution
Founded by Baha’u’llah in the 1860s, the Baha’i faith emphasizes unity among all religions and people. With over 5 million adherents worldwide, the majority live in Asia, especially India. The Baha’i World Centre in Israel serves as the spiritual and administrative heart of the faith. In contrast to other countries, where Baha’is face differing levels of discrimination, the harshest treatment occurs in Iran. Following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, many Baha’is fled due to systemic arrest, execution, and other forms of oppression, while approximately 300,000 members remain in Iran today.
Despite the dangers, many Baha’is feel compelled to stay in Iran, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to their community. Sheyda Kamran, a professor at the Baha’i Institute for Higher Education, highlights that her students actively seek ways to assist their fellow Iranians amidst crises, showcasing a sense of purpose that drives their survival.
The crackdown on Baha’is became even more pronounced after conflict erupted between the U.S. and Israel, leading to increased arrests and detentions. Reports indicate that, as of mid-June, at least 63 Baha’is were being held in Iranian prisons, often without known charges. Iranian state media continues to promote anti-Baha’i narratives, accusing them of collaborating with foreign entities and presenting them as threats to national security.
This ongoing persecution underscores a troubling reality in Iran: the plight of Baha’is represents a broader pattern of repression aimed at fostering an environment of fear among the population, which is integral to the regime’s strategy of control.