Iran Summons 12 Baha'i Citizens to Revolutionary Court

In an escalation of harassment against Baha'i citizens, a Revolutionary Court has summoned 12 members of the persecuted religious minority to face charges. 

Branch One of the Revolutionary Court in northern Sari has called them separately to hear their charges.

According to Article 500 of the Islamic Penal Code, the charges center on alleged "deviant educational and propaganda activities contrary to Islamic law."

As per reports, the 12 Baha'is summoned are Sohrab Laqaei, Zahra Golabian, Fawad Laqaei, Emilia Fanaian, Hossein Fanaian, Nasim Samimi, Sohail Haqdoost, Rakuel Ataian, Banafsheh Asadian, Kyomars Akbari, Anahita Koshkabaghi, and Melodi Samimi.

Baha'is have been systematically persecuted in Iran for 44 years because of their faith and are often accused of being spies or opposed to the Iranian government. 

The Baha'i International Community notes that no evidence has been provided to demonstrate these charges.

The government has intensified its crackdown on members of the Baha'i faith, imprisoning dozens of them on spurious charges over the past year, denying them access to higher education and livelihoods, and confiscating or destroying their personal properties.