More Baha’is Detained; 26 Currently In Prison

December 10, 2008

Author: Staff Writer

Source: Persecution of Baha’is in Iran

http://iran.bahai.us/2008/12/10/more-baha’is-detained-26-currently-in-prison/

Three Baha’is have been arrested in Mazandaran province, one in Ghaemshahr and two in Sari. Their homes were searched and Baha’i materials were confiscated. The arrests occurred on 18 November and 22 November.

In another case, three Baha’is were arrested and detained in Yasouj and a nearby town, in the province of Kohgiluyeh va Bouyerahmad. The detention was in connection with a personal project under which they provided moral education classes for local children. The attorney they retained was so intimidated by criticism from judicial officials that he resigned from the case.

At least 26 Baha’is are currently in jail or prison because of their religion. The number on a given day is difficult to determine, partly because authorities sometimes detain people secretly and it can take days for their families to determine with certainty what has happened to them.