Narges Mohammadi Supports the Campaign 'Our Story is One'

Narges Mohammadi, a imprisoned human rights activist, supported the campaign of Baha'i citizens named 'Our Story is One', denouncing the execution of Baha'i women as revealing the true nature of the 'religious, misogynistic dictatorship' government and emphasizing the responsibility of society in this regard. On the fortieth anniversary of the execution of 10 Baha'i women in Iran, a virtual campaign was launched on Sunday, June 18, to commemorate them, using the hashtag 'Our Story is One' on social media. In a note published on the Instagram page of the Human Rights Defenders Center, Narges Mohammadi recalled Mona Mahmoudnejad, a 16-year-old girl who was executed in 1983 along with 9 other women for being Baha'i. This human rights activist compared the lineup of these 10 Baha'i women for execution to the lineup of Jews heading to the gas chambers of Auschwitz. In part of her message, Ms. Mohammadi referred to a letter from Ghorbanali Dori Najafabadi, the then Minister of Intelligence of the Islamic Republic in 2008, which emphasized the government's commitment to the rights of Baha'is. According to her, this letter addressed several imprisoned Baha'i women stating that the Baha'i organization would be dissolved and the Islamic Republic would guarantee the civil rights of Baha'is. The note continues: 'The Baha'i organization, which was solely for managing the internal affairs of the approximately 300,000 Baha'is, was declared dissolved, but their civil rights were not only not guaranteed but were suppressed and violated even more severely.' Based on this writing, Baha'is, aware of Ali Khamenei's position on their co-religionists, anticipated an escalation of crackdowns. According to this imprisoned human rights activist, Baha'is were previously aware of the Supreme Leader's letter stating 'only a subsistence level is possible for Baha'is.' Narges Mohammadi emphasized the responsibility of society regarding the suppression of Baha'is, writing: 'Does the publication and hearing of this news suffice only to expose the repressive nature of the Islamic Republic, or does it create a responsibility for us as well?' Baha'i citizens in Iran have systematically faced executions, widespread social and political discrimination, and illegal actions including arbitrary arrests and desecration of their cemeteries since the 1979 revolution. According to the annual report of 'International Religious Freedom' from last year, the repression, violence, discrimination, and social stigmatization by the Iranian government against Baha'i citizens have intensified. Narges Mohammadi: The government's duty is clear; we citizens must be the voice of our Baha'i compatriots. Explanations by Farhad Sabetan about the campaign 'Our Story is One' on the fortieth anniversary of the execution of 10 Baha'i women in Shiraz. Shahla Shafique - supporter of the Baha'i community in Iran: Baha'is are a symbol of discrimination and resistance in the Islamic Republic; everyone must unite against oppression. The fortieth anniversary of the execution of 10 Baha'i women in Shiraz; 'The virus of oppression and discrimination' is widespread. Confirmation of sentences totaling over 40 years in prison and prohibition from social rights for 13 Baha'i citizens.