© Unsplash/A. Hosseinzadeh Fardnia Capital of Iran, Tehran. Iran: UN experts concerned about reports of torture and persecution of members of the Baha’i community Human rights
A group of independent UN human rights experts has expressed serious concern about the situation of members of the Baha’i religious minority in Iran. They have reportedly been arbitrarily detained and abducted, subjected to torture and other forms of ill-treatment.
Human rights activists say the physical and mental health of several detainees may be at risk.
Physical and psychological violence
“We are deeply concerned by reports that members of the Baha’i community are being held incommunicado, subject to torture and forced disappearance. This is a clear violation of international law,” the independent UN experts said.
They pointed to ongoing information about increasing repression of Baha’is, including increasing numbers of detentions and a broader campaign to stigmatize them. Fifty-seven community members are reported to be in custody or serving prison sentences.
Some detainees were allegedly tortured into making confessions that were later broadcast by state media. Experts emphasized that such practices violate the absolute prohibition of torture and undermine the right to a fair trial.
Human rights activists expressed particular concern about the alleged arbitrary detention of Payam Vali, Roya Sabet, Artin Ghazanfari and Shakila Ghasemi, as well as Peywand and Borna Naimi. The latter two were reportedly subjected to severe physical and psychological abuse, including mock executions to extract false confessions. Both remain in pre-trial detention in harsh conditions.
Persecution of minorities
Experts noted that the detentions of Baha’is come amid a broader wave of arrests in Iran since the start of the war, which creates additional risks for religious minorities.
“The persecution of religious minorities through alleged arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances and coercion is a flagrant violation of the right to freedom of religion or belief,” human rights activists said.
They recalled that, as a state party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Iran is obliged to respect freedom of religion or belief, the prohibition of torture and enforced disappearance, guarantee due process and protect the rights of minorities.
The experts called on the authorities to immediately ensure that detainees have access to lawyers and medical care, and to investigate all reports of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, torture and abuses and bring those responsible to justice.
Human rights activists say they have raised their concerns with the Iranian government.
The statement was signed by Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues Nicolas Levre Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief Nazila Ghanea, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran Mai Sato, Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment Alice Jill Edwards, and members of the Working Group on Forcible or Involuntary disappearances.
Independent experts are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council. They are not UN employees and do not receive wages for their work. Experts act in their personal capacity and do not represent any government or organization.