The desecration of cemeteries has always been used as a tactic to supress and offend, and Iran’s Bahai minority has faced this abuse for decades. The most recent desecration took place just days ago on the 27th of September in Isfahan, where trees were cut down from a Baha’i cemetery.

For pictures see: http://www.bahairights.org/2008/10/03/cutting-down-the-trees-of-the-baha...

Baha’is who have sought redress from the courts over “incomplete files” or unjustified dismissal from university have been met with official decisions with blanket statements like “the grievance is not recognized” and “the claim is rejected.” Both documen

NEW YORK — As the new academic year got under way, young Baha'is in Iran again found the door to higher education closed.

Although in its public stance the Iranian government maintains that Baha'is are free to attend university, reports over the past few weeks indicate that the policy of preventing Baha'is from obtaining higher education remains in effect.

As if unlawfully arresting the Faith’s leaders, intensifying propaganda campaigns and vilifying those willing to speak out on behalf of the oppressed isn’t enough, Iranian news agencies have reported the launch of a petition demanding the dissolution of Baha’i administrations in Iran.

In response to the annual report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) that condemned Egypt, along with few other countries such as Iran, for its violations of human rights (linked here), Egypt's leading newspapers--not unexpectedly--varied widely in their reaction from condemnation and rejection of the report, to denial of the accusations brought by the USCIRF, to simply stating the key points brought to light by this report.

LOS ANGELES, September 23 – Without international pressure there is little to stop the Iranian government from ratifying a bill that will make “apostasy,” or leaving Islam, a capital crime, say human rights groups and experts. On Sept. 9 the Iranian parliament approved a new penal code by a vote of 196-7 calling for a mandatory death sentence for apostates, or those who leave Islam. The Christian and Baha’i communities of Iran are most likely to be affected by this decision.

In many Muslim-majority countries, the history of the Baha’i community dates back to over a century. Sadly, their history has been marred with intolerance, discrimination and abuse. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom recently released its Annual Report, and below is a round-up on the status of the Baha’i minority in several Muslim-majority countries.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has just published a statement for immediate press release concerning the escalation of extreme measures taken by Iran's government against its religious minorities. Additionally the Commission has released its 2008 Annual Report with Iran being listed under "Countries of Particular Concern," and Egypt listed under "Watch List Countries."

MANUKAU counsellor Aryana Khadem is helping organise a concert and information evening on Saturday to raise awareness of the victimisation of the Baha’is in Iran. Mrs Khadem, who works with migrant women, is herself an immigrant from Iran. She left her homeland more than 20 years ago, following the disappearance of her father and the execution of her mother for being members of the Baha’i Faith, Iran’s largest religious minority. Her father was never found. The concert MC is Chief Human Rights Commissioner Rosslyn Noonan.

The US Congress will be voting soon on resolution H. Res. 1303 calling on the Egyptian Government to respect human rights and freedoms of religion and expression in Egypt.

The resolution, sponsored by Rep. Frank Wolf [R-VA] and cosponsored by several other congressmen, was submitted to the US House of Representatives and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs on June 24, 2008.

Mark Weitzman of the Simon Weisenthal Center and Yvette Rugasaguhunga were among nine speakers at a discussion titled "Eliminate Racism: Prevent Mass Atrocities."

The relationship between racism and mass atrocities was the focus of a panel discussion co-sponsored by the Baha'i International Community to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

"Genocide is not a natural disaster," said Payam Akhavan, an associate professor of law at McGill University, whose appearance was sponsored by the Baha'is. "It is a man-made disaster, an instrument through which ruthless leaders exercise power at the expense of millions."