125 Members of the European Parliament Condemn the Suppression of Baha'i Women in Iran

On Thursday, February 11, 125 members of the European Parliament condemned the "increasing suppression of Baha'i women in Iran" with support from a report by UN experts. According to the Baha'i International Community, UN experts had previously warned in a report in December of this year about the "intensification of harassment against Baha'i women in the Islamic Republic of Iran," stating that "Baha'i women, as members of the largest non-Muslim religious minority, face double discrimination, both as women and as followers of the Baha'i faith." They expressed deep concern over the apparent increase in the systematic harassment and suppression of Baha'i women in Iran, adding that "the significant increase in repression against Baha'i women within the broader context of targeting women in Iran and challenges related to gender equality indicates a worrying crisis." UN experts emphasized that "Baha'i women have become primary targets of state harassment and face arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, home raids, and ongoing restrictions on their fundamental freedoms." They also warned that these attacks may continue and escalate. On July 31 of this year, these experts expressed concern in a letter to Iranian authorities about the increasing confrontations with Baha'i women and called for an immediate halt to detentions, harassment, and the issuance of unjust prison sentences against them. In this context, 125 members of the European Parliament emphasized the "vital importance of addressing the situation of Baha'i women in Iran" and stated that "the situation of Baha'i women in Iran requires immediate attention and action from the international community." They urged Iranian authorities to end the suppression of Baha'i women and protect their human rights. A week prior, the European Parliament had condemned the Iranian government for the systematic suppression of Baha'is by passing an emergency resolution. A similar resolution had been passed in this parliament in December of this year. Additionally, over 50 members of the European Parliament condemned the Iranian government's treatment of Baha'i women in a joint statement this summer. The Baha'i International Community stated on the social media platform "X" that the latest positions of the members of the European Parliament reflect "a growing global movement to hold the Iranian government accountable for human rights violations against Baha'is, women, and all vulnerable groups and minorities in this country." According to this report, since the onset of nationwide protests following the death of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini in the custody of the morality police in September 2022, "harassment of Baha'i women in Iran has significantly increased, and two-thirds of all Baha'is currently targeted in Iran are women." The report emphasized that Baha'i women face gross human rights violations, including "arbitrary detentions often without due process," "enforced disappearances and separation from family," "raids on homes and confiscation of property," and "denial of access to education at all levels." Rachel Beyani, representative of the Baha'i International Community to European institutions in Brussels, stated: "We are grateful for the support of many prominent members of the European Parliament, both at the European Parliament level and in national institutions. The solidarity of the members of the European Parliament and national assemblies with Baha'is in Iran and Baha'i women reflects an increasing concern about the suppression of these innocent individuals by the Iranian government." The Baha'i International Community has repeatedly called for coordinated international action to support the fundamental rights of Baha'is in Iran and to pressure the Iranian government to end their systematic suppression. Ms. Beyani said: "The Iranian authorities must know that officials and representatives of parliaments across Europe stand up for the rights of Baha'is and all minorities in Iran." She emphasized: "The only way forward is to end the suppression of Baha'is in Iran and respect the rights of all Iranians from any background." The daughter of Mahvash Sabet, a Baha'i prisoner, speaks about her mother's poor physical condition after surgery. The Baha'i International Community protested the violent detention of Baha'i women in Isfahan. The detention and transfer of 10 Baha'i women residing in Isfahan to prison. The Baha'i International Community called for an investigation into the violations of Baha'i rights in Iran at the United Nations. The British Pen Association called for the immediate and unconditional release of Mahvash Sabet. The Baha'i Community of France called for the immediate release of Mahvash Sabet.