On the escalating repression of the Baha'i in Iran

B100528/2025

European Parliament resolution on the escalating repression of the Baha'i in Iran

(2025/2987(RSP))

The European Parliament,

having regard to its previous resolutions on Iran;

- having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure;

A. Whereas the human rights situation in Iran continues to deteriorate, marked by daily executions and widespread repression;

B; Whereas religious and ethnic minority communities face disproportionate arrests, discrimination, and ill-treatment;

C. Whereas the Baha’i community remains the largest non-Muslim religious minority in Iran and continues to experience systematic state persecution spanning over forty years;

D. Whereas reports indicate that since June 2025 at least 53 Christians have been detained, charged with national security offenses, stripped of property, and denied access to counsel;

E. Whereas the 1991 “Baha’i Question” memorandum establishes state policy aimed at restricting the rights and opportunities of Baha’is;

F. Whereas recent developments in 2025 show an escalation in the confiscation of Baha’i properties, without due process justified using Article 49 of the Iranian Constitution in a discriminatory manner;

G. Whereas six Baha’i women in Hamedan were sentenced collectively to 39 years for “organizing Baha’i activities” and “propaganda against the regime”;

1. Condemns the escalating repression of religious and ethnic minorities in Iran and the arrest, prosecution, and stigmatization of individuals solely due to their beliefs or identities, including through arbitrary detention, unfair trials and systemic harassment by state authorities;

2. Deplores the discriminatory misuse of Article 49 and the unlawful confiscation of Baha’i properties, as well as raids, threats, surveillance, and hate speech directed at Baha’i citizens;

3. Demands that the Iranian authorities overturn the convictions of Fariba Kamalabadi, Roya Sabet, and the six Baha’i women in Hamedan, Zarrindokht Ahadzadeh, Farideh Ayyoubi, Noura Ayyoubi, Neda Mohebbi, Jaleh Rezaie, and Atefeh Zahedi;

4. Calls for halting discriminatory property seizures and immediately return confiscated assets to their owners; calls for effective legal remedies and compensation for victims of unlawful expropriation;

5. Calls on Iranian authorities to repeal the “Baha’i Question” memorandum and legally recognize the Baha’i faith;

6. Urges the EU and its Member States to raise these violations in diplomatic contacts with Iran, support UN monitoring mechanisms, and provide assistance and protection to persecuted communities; including through targeted support for civil society organisations, legal aid providers and human rights defenders working to safeguard freedom of religion or belief;

7. Expresses solidarity with all individuals in Iran persecuted for their beliefs or identities and recognizes the courage of minority communities facing systemic discrimination; calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all persons detained solely for exercising their freedom of religion or belief;

8. Demands that Iran grant full access to UN human rights mechanisms, including the UN Special Rapporteur and fact-finding mission, to investigate abuse cases;

9. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Government of Iran, the VP/HR, the Commission, the Member States and the United Nations.