Abstract

Baha’is are the largest minority religious group in Iran. They have been persecuted and discriminated against for decades by the Iranian government and subjected to several human rights violations. This Senior Independent Study will use religious and political arguments to portray the underlying systematic persecution of Baha’is and how they have responded to it. This IS paper includes the history of Iran and the Baha’i Faith to provide a holistic view of these issues. Since the revolution in 1979, there have been seven protests by the Iranian population, of which three were significant. The Islamic government of Iran has brutally beaten, imprisoned, and killed peaceful protestors to crack down on acts of disobedience. Such behavior has expanded against anyone that does not agree with their policy, regardless of their religious beliefs and political affiliation. Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented numerous human rights violations against Baha'is in Iran, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and unfair trials that resulted in execution within two weeks. In addition, Baha'i holy sites and cemeteries have been vandalized and destroyed, and Baha'i-owned businesses have been shut down. Despite all these adversities, Baha’is have been able to rise against the regime and created educational programs, such as the Baha’i Institute of Higher Education, to help bring awareness and provide opportunities for those in need.

Advisor

Sene, Ibra

Department

Global and International Studies

Publication Date

2023

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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