13 Baha'i Citizens Arrested in Isfahan for Holding Music and Painting Classes

According to reports from the Islamic Republic's media citing the Ministry of Intelligence, 13 Baha'i citizens were arrested in Isfahan. Iranian news agencies reported that these individuals were detained on charges of 'promoting their beliefs.' This news comes as a high-ranking delegation from the Islamic Republic defended the human rights situation in Iran at the Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva on Friday, claiming that the government guarantees fundamental freedoms, including freedom of belief and expression. Government media claimed that the arrested Baha'is were attempting to 'promote their religion' through various means, including 'holding classes' for children and adolescents 'using artistic methods, music, and painting.' The arrest of these individuals for promoting their beliefs occurs while the Islamic Republic spends vast amounts of money trying to promote Islam and Shi'ism in other countries, including impoverished African nations. Reports indicate that on January 23, ten Baha'i women residing in Isfahan were also arrested by government forces and transferred to the Dowlatabad prison in Isfahan to serve their sentences. In this context, the news agency HRANA reported that these Baha'i citizens had previously been arrested on May 25, 2021, along with several other Baha'i women living in Baharestan, Isfahan, and were released on bail on June 17 of the same year. Since the 1979 Revolution, Baha'i citizens have faced widespread discrimination, including being expelled from government jobs, confiscation of property, closure of businesses, denial of education, and destruction of cemeteries. According to the annual report of the 'International Religious Freedom Commission' last year, the repression, violence, discrimination, and social stigmatization by the government against Baha'i citizens have intensified. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has also expressed concern over the increased pressure on religious minorities in Iran and the Islamic Republic's campaign against Baha'is. The Baha'i World Community reported on November 12, under the title 'Outsiders: Multifaceted Violence Against Baha'is in the Islamic Republic of Iran,' that Iranian Shia clerics have described Baha'is as 'impure' since the inception of the Baha'i Faith, justifying their discrimination and oppression. Reports indicate that in some cities, their properties and documents have been confiscated. Mahvash Sabet's daughter, a Baha'i prisoner, speaks about her mother's deteriorating health condition after surgery. The Baha'i World Community has protested the violent arrest of Baha'i women in Isfahan. The Baha'i World Community has called for an investigation into the violation of Baha'i rights in Iran by the United Nations. The British PEN Association has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Mahvash Sabet. The Baha'i Community of France has also called for the immediate release of Mahvash Sabet.