Iranian Draft Law Goes After…Everyone.
The Iranian Parliament is considering legislation that would institutionalize a series of gross human rights violations, affecting not only Baha’is but many others, even outside of Iran…Of greatest concern is a section that would mandate the death penalty for anyone who converts from Islam to another religion…
The text uses the word Hadd, meaning that it explicitly sets death as a fixed punishment that cannot be changed, reduced or annulled…The law also extends to naming as apostate any follower of a religion other than Islam who had one parent who was a Muslim at the time of his or her conception.
Thus, for instance, the child of a Muslim and a Christian who chooses to adopt the Christian faith would be considered an apostate under the terms of the law and therefore subject to execution, says, Ms. Dugal, spokesperson for the Baha’i International Community at the UN.
Another troubling section of the proposed code would extend “security” laws outside the country, exposing those outside Iran to the government’s reach. “Iran is apparently not content with targeting those it considers its opponents only within its borders,” said Ms. Dugal, explaining that Article 112 of the proposed code refers to actions “against the government, the independence and the internal and external security of the country.”…
The code’s vagueness with respect to “offending the sacred” and other crimes would give the government free license to act against any group it disapproves of, said Ms. Dugal.
“The code includes articles that refer to the commission of unspecified crimes or felonies, as well as articles referring to those guilty of ‘corruption and mischief on the earth…”
Join the Conversation
Well, if Obama becomes President of the US then they can put a price on his head as an apostate.
I applaud you for your efforts to build bridges to bring people together and to also continue to bring to the public’s attention the plight of the Baha’is in Iran who are experiencing grave persecution and injustice.
Here in the West where there is so much suspicion towards Islam by non-Muslims I find myself defending Islam against those who are truly ignorant of the true essence of the religion and of the beauty that exists in the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. Most people I have found choose to believe the rhetoric being published and have never taken the time to read a book on the religion of Islam for themselves. They find it easier to hate and harbour prejudice in their hearts which is a sad commentary on our society.
There will be meaningful change and improvement in the lives of the Baha’is in Iran when more Iranians who are NOT Baha’i can speak openly in defense of the rights of the Baha’is to practice their faith without fear of being persecuted. Your website is a good example of just that……being supportive of the rights of the Baha’is to practice freely their faith even though you yourselves are not members.
To see in the teachings of Baha’u'llah the tremendous beauty and the vision for a peaceful world and to take pride that Baha’u'llah is an Iranian and that his teachings have influenced millions worldwide is a reflection on the greatness laden in that land and one can appreciate it without having to be a believer.
Peace,
Jim Ferguson
Once again true Islam is on the way in Iran!
Let’s be a muslim.
I dont think this dream comes true. Iran’s government cannot kill every converted; cuz it leads to a genocide!!! And no one give a s**t in reality! How many should be executed? They cant do this violance!
Sigh
remebring “Pirates of the Caribean”: “every decision you made led us from bad to worse”
I do not understand how anyone can presume to have a power of life or death over my spiritual philosophy. All I hear in this kind of pronouncement is a sick presumption that “my religion is right and if you don’t agree, I kill you”. Taliban tried that. Didn’t work real good on americans did it? Violence only breeds violence…seems no end to it where islam is concerned. Maybe that’s why there is so much prejudice against it. Depressing.
Just read this one…
So, basically, the government there is going to create their own version of the CIA, but with an “ahem” more religious theme?
Way to adopt those great ideas!
Is it just me or does it seem like more and more politicians are suffering from lead poisoning. Have the pipes in the buildings these folks work in been updated?
They already have their religious intelligence agency. They break into foreigners hotel rooms and steal their razors and socks and bug innocent peoples houses just because they are Baha’i. Sound weird? it happened to my cousin…twice.
So this was written in Feb~ whats been the progress? I doubt parliment, with out without lead poisioning, will pass this into a law. It is radical and crazy that it was even be concidered! How can I learn more about this?
Interfaith! (love this site btw)