Iran's Crackdown on Baha’i Shopkeepers for Religious Observance

Iran's Actions Against Baha’i Community

In a significant move against religious freedom, Iranian officials have summoned and interrogated numerous Baha’i shopkeepers in Shiraz. This action follows the shopkeepers' decision to close their businesses in April to observe Baha’i holy days, a practice that has been peaceful and longstanding. Authorities are now labeling these closures as 'propaganda against the regime.'

On May 18, representatives from the Office of Public Places approached Baha’i shop owners, questioning them about their faith and the reasons behind their business closures during the holy days. Just two days later, at least 25 shopkeepers were officially summoned and charged with 'promoting the deviant Baha’i sect,' a term often used by Iranian officials to undermine the legitimacy of the Baha’i Faith.

Those summoned received a detailed form and were directed to Branch 10 of the judiciary, managed by Deputy Prosecutor Zahra Ajdari. The bail for each case has been set at a staggering 400 million tomans. Reports indicate that authorities warned that non-compliance with the summons would lead to the freezing of equivalent amounts from the individuals' bank accounts.

Although Iranian law allows business owners to close their shops for up to 15 days each year without penalties, the state is now redefining Baha’i observances as illegal religious promotion. Sources familiar with the interrogations report that when shopkeepers questioned the legality of the charges, officials responded, 'We are the law. Whatever we define as law is the law.'

This situation has raised alarms among human rights advocates and international observers, who view it as part of a larger pattern of systemic discrimination and economic suppression aimed at the Baha’i community in Iran. Many small business owners in Shiraz have either received summonses or anticipate being called in the near future.

The Baha’i International Community has consistently condemned these actions, urging the Iranian government to honor its international commitments to protect religious freedom and to halt the persecution of religious minorities.

Background: The Baha’i Faith, which is the largest non-Muslim religious minority in Iran, is not recognized by the Islamic Republic’s constitution. Followers of this faith have historically faced discrimination in various aspects, including education, employment, and the freedom to worship.