Persecution of Baha'is in Iran

The Australia Baha’i community works to raise awareness of the denial of human rights to the Baha’is in Iran. The full emancipation of this peaceful, law-abiding community remains a central concern of Baha’is in Australia and around the world.

The persecution of the Baha'is in Iran is a systematic policy based solely on religious intolerance. It has been repeatedly condemned by the Australian and other governments.

Since 1979 more than 200 Baha’is have been executed or killed in Iran, hundreds more have been imprisoned, and tens of thousands have been deprived of jobs, pensions, businesses, and educational opportunities.

All national and local Baha’i administrative institutions – which undertake the sacred functions performed by clergy in other faiths – have been banned. Baha’i holy places, cemeteries and community properties have been confiscated, vandalised, or destroyed.

Baha’is in Iran are subjected to arbitrary arrest, short-term detention, and persistent harassment, intimidation and discrimination. All attempts to obtain redress are systematically denied as officials continue to confiscate Baha’i homes, deny them their rightfully earned pensions and inheritance, block their access to employment or impede their private business activities.

Read the latest update on the persecution of Baha'is in Iran.