[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 16 (Thursday, February 26, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E238]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                PERSECUTION OF BAHA'I CONTINUES IN IRAN

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                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 26, 1998

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, President Khatami of Iran recently addressed 
the American people in a televised interview in which he stated that 
``religiosity liberty and justice'' were the ``aspirations of the 
Islamic Revolution.'' In this regard President Khatami indicated that 
the Iranian and American people cherished similar ideals.
  Despite these hopeful statements, however, the members of the Baha'i 
faith in Iran still are subject to systematic persecution aimed at the 
destruction of this community in its own homeland. Although the number 
of executions of members of the Baha'i faith are down from the level of 
killing that occurred during the earlier phases of the Iranian 
revolution--two were killed during 1997 for apostacy, and the number of 
Baha'i in prison has fallen from 750 in 1986 to 21 at present, 
individual members of this faith are still subject to harassment or 
arrest due to their religious beliefs.
  Of most concern are the state enforced measures designed to deny the 
ability of the Baha'i community to sustain itself. Baha'is are 
forbidden to elect leaders, organize schools or conduct religious 
activities. Elected assemblies which, since the Baha'i have no clergy, 
serve to govern the community were disbanded by Iranian government 
order in 1983. All community properties, including cemeteries, and 
other holy places were confiscated soon after the 1979 revolution, and 
none have been returned.
  Baha'is are denied jobs and pensions on the basis of their faith, and 
Baha'i students are prevented from attending universities which, in 
turn denies the opportunity for economic advancement and further 
impoverishes the community. Members of the Baha'i faith have no legal 
standing and have no recourse to enforce their civil and economic 
rights within the Iranian judicial system.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe that if we want to truly test the sincerity of 
President Khatami's recent offer to open a dialog with the American 
people we should ask his government to end the repression of the Baha'i 
and other religious minorities in Iran. Our government should use its 
voice and vote in the upcoming meeting of the UN Commission on Human 
Rights in Geneva to press the Iranian authorities to prove to the 
international community that Iranian society really does cherish 
religiosity, liberty and justice by ending the systematic persecution 
of the Baha'i and all of its religious minorities.

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