LETTERS: BAHA'IS PERSECUTED IN IRAN DESPITE PACT

To the editor:

The Baha'i community of Cape Girardeau has recently learned that on Feb. 11 the revolutionary court of Iran issued death sentences for three Baha'is. The Baha'i faith is a non-Muslim, independent world religion with a long history of persecution in Iran.

Last May, in Geneva, Switzerland, Iran's representative to the United Nations assured the U.N. human rights representative that Iran's highest court had rejected the death sentences of these defendants.

President Clinton, speaking of the defendants, states: "It is clear that the individuals were arrested, charged and sentenced to death solely because of their religions beliefs." The statement was consistent with America's policy of holding the Iranian government responsible for the safety of the Baha'i community in that country.

Although Baha'is have been severely persecuted since the inception of their faith in Iran in 1844, with deaths numbering in the thousands, it was hoped that with the election of President Khatami human rights would be restored to Baha'is and the other religious minorities of Iran.

Worldwide, more than five million Baha'is live in the hope Iran will soon cease its relentless suppression of their religion.

JOANN M. TAYLOR

Secretary

Cape Girardeau Baha'i Community

Cape Girardeau