A Look into the Persecution of Bahais in Iran
Peyman Vali, a Bahai citizen serving his sentence in Qezelhesar Prison in Karaj, Iran, has been faced with a new case against him. He has been charged with "spreading falsehoods on social media through disseminating criminal content." This comes as a shock to many who have been following his story.
Vali was originally arrested in 2017 for his religious beliefs as a member of the Bahai faith. He was sentenced to five years on charges of "membership in an illegal group with the intent to disrupt national security." His sentence was later reduced to two years and he had been expected to be released in early 2020.
However, with the opening of this new case against him, it is unclear what his fate will be. Many are concerned for his safety and well-being, as the Iranian government has a history of mistreating and torturing prisoners.
Vali's case is just one example of the persecution faced by members of the Bahai faith in Iran. The Bahai community in Iran has been subjected to systematic discrimination and persecution since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Bahais are not recognized as a religious minority in Iran and are denied many basic rights, including the right to practice their religion freely.
Despite the ongoing persecution, the Bahai community in Iran has remained resilient and steadfast in their faith. They continue to work for a better future for themselves and their fellow citizens. The hashtag #OurStoryIsOne has been used to raise awareness of their plight and to call for an end to the persecution of Bahais in Iran.
As the world watches and waits to see what will happen to Peyman Vali, it is important to remember #OurStoryIsOne