LETTERS: IRAN CONTINUES TO PERSECUTE BAHA'IS THERE

To the editor:

In a resolution passed last December, the U.N. General Assembly expressed concern about human-rights violations in Iran.The resolution mentioned the "unabated pattern of persecution" against the Baha'i religious community.

The resolution noted the "absence of guarantees of due process of law and the absence of respect for persons belonging to the country's largest religious minority."

Eleven Baha'is in Iran face death sentences solely because of their religious beliefs. The Baha'i faith is an independent world religion. As a whole, the Baha'is are subjected to discrimination in education, employment, travel, housing and the enjoyment of cultural activities.

Since 1979, when the Islamic Republic of Iran was formed, more than 200 Baha'is have been murdered or executed. Hundreds more have been imprisoned, and thousands have been deprived of jobs, education or property.

The Baha'is of Cape Girardeau and Southeast Missouri are grateful for the U.N. resolution and pray that this call for the "complete emancipation" of Iran's Baha'is will be heeded by that nation's government.

JOANN M. TAYLOR

Cape Girardeau