FCDO Minister statement on treatment of Baha'i in Iran

FCDO Minister Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon expresses concern following an increase in arrests and persecution.

The UK is deeply concerned by increasing arrests of the Baha’i in Iran, including recent reports that the Iranian government has demolished houses and confiscated land in Roushankouh, Iran. Former spiritual leaders of the Baha’i in Iran are also reported to have been detained.

FCDO Minister responsible for Human Rights and Freedom of Religion and Belief, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, said:

The persecution of religious minorities cannot be tolerated in 2022. We strongly condemn the increasing detention of members of the Baha’i community in Iran, as well as reports of forced closures of their businesses and land seizures. The persecution of religious minorities is a serious violation of international human rights law.

We are working closely with our international partners to hold Iran to account and continue to raise human rights concerns regularly with the Iranian Government.