Arrest of Seven Baha'i Citizens in Bushehr

The Baha'i International Community announced in a statement that on Tuesday, seven Baha'i citizens were arrested and detained in Bushehr. It has been reported that during a coordinated operation, these citizens were apprehended at their workplaces and residences. No news has been released regarding the charges, reasons, or detention locations of these Baha'i citizens in Iran. A news report also mentioned that the personal belongings of these individuals were confiscated at the time of their arrest. Human Rights Watch previously accused Iranian security and judicial forces of 'human rights violations' in its latest annual report, warning about social discrimination and stating that 92 Baha'is are currently imprisoned. The 'Freedom House' organization also referred to the crackdowns and human rights violations in Iran in its recent report, noting that the Iranian government 'harshly' confronts Baha'is and other citizens who hold different beliefs, including unofficial interpretations of Islam. Earlier, in January of this year, it was reported that several Baha'i-owned shops in Tabriz had been sealed. The Islamic Republic of Iran has repeatedly been accused of human rights violations. The ruling system in Iran claims it does not recognize the Baha'i faith as an official religion. According to the Baha'i International Community, since the early formation of this faith in Iran (1844 to 1920), its followers have been killed by the clergy and government and have always been targets of persecution and oppression.