Shiraz, Iran — In a sweeping crackdown on religious freedom, Iranian authorities have summoned and interrogated dozens of Baha’i shopkeepers in Shiraz, initiating judicial proceedings against them for closing their businesses in observance of Baha’i holy days in April. The closures, a long-standing and peaceful religious practice among Baha’is, are now being labeled as “propaganda against the regime.”
On 18 May, individuals claiming to represent the Office of Public Places visited Baha’i-owned shops, questioning owners about their faith and their decisions to close during the holy days. Just two days later, at least 25 Baha’i shopkeepers were formally summoned and charged with “promoting the deviant Baha’i sect,” a term frequently used by Iranian officials to delegitimize the Baha’i Faith.
Each of those summoned was presented with a detailed form and referred to Branch 10 of the judiciary, overseen by Deputy Prosecutor Zahra Ajdari. Bail for each case has been set at an exorbitant 400 million tomans. Authorities reportedly warned that failure to comply with the summons would result in the equivalent amount being frozen directly from the individuals’ bank accounts.
While Iranian law permits business owners to close their shops for up to 15 days annually without penalty, Baha’i observances are now being redefined by the state as acts of illegal religious promotion. According to sources familiar with the interrogations, when shopkeepers questioned the legality of the charges, they were told by officials: “We are the law. Whatever we define as law is the law.”
This development has heightened concern among human rights advocates and international observers, who see the move as part of a broader campaign of systemic discrimination and economic suppression targeting the Baha’i community in Iran. Many small business owners in Shiraz have either already received summonses or expect to be called in the coming days.
The Baha’i International Community has repeatedly condemned such actions, urging the Iranian government to uphold its international obligations to protect religious freedom and cease its persecution of religious minorities.
Background:
The Baha’i Faith, Iran’s largest non-Muslim religious minority, is not recognized under the Islamic Republic’s constitution. Its followers have long faced discrimination in areas including education, employment, and freedom of worship.
