[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 142 (Saturday, October 10, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2024]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          THE BAHA'IS IN IRAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSEPH R. PITTS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 9, 1998

  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply concerned about recent reports 
that the government of Iran has executed a member of the Baha'i faith, 
and imprisoned and condemned others to death solely because of their 
religious beliefs. In addition, reports suggest that Iranian officials 
arrested 32 Baha'i teachers in a crackdown against those of the Baha'i 
faith.
  The recent execution of Mr. Ruhollah Rowhani for proselytism is the 
first execution of a Baha'i in six years and, unfortunately, it was 
accompanied by the death sentence of other Baha'is. Just last week, two 
of these sentenced men had their death sentence confirmed. Mr. Sirus 
Zabihi-Moghaddam and Mr. Hedayat Kashefi Najafabadu were arrested in 
the fall of 1997 for holding meetings for religious ``family life.'' 
Reports reveal that after no legal representation at secret trials at 
the beginning of 1998, the two men were sentenced do death. 
Unfortunately, there are other Baha'is in similar situations.
  Mr. Speaker, the government of Iran must be held accountable for 
violating the fundamental human right of religious liberty for the 
Baha'i and other religious minority believers in Iran. If the 
leadership of Iran desires to play a role in the international 
community, they must uphold religious liberty and all fundamental human 
rights for all people.
  I, and other Members of Congress, Senators and the American people 
will be watching closely to see whether or not the Iranian government 
protects the rights of its people, or continues to blatantly violate 
international human rights norms.

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