Luxembourg Calls for End to Religious Persecution in Iran

On Monday 16 March 2020, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Jean Asselborn, released a statement reiterating Luxembourg's position on the situation of religious minorities, particularly the Baha'is, in Iran.

In his statement, Minister Asselborn expressed "great concern at the recent decision by the Iranian authorities to issue new identity cards only to citizens of the Muslim, Jewish, Christian or Zoroastrian faiths". He continued: "This decision to force members of non-recognised religious minorities to choose a religion other than their own is a violation of the Baha'i's freedom of religion and belief and comes on top of other repressive legal and administrative measures taken against this community".

The statement followed the reported arrest of 30 Baha'is on Sunday in the city of Shiraz. In this context, Minister Asselborn "reiterate[d] Luxembourg's call on the Iranian authorities to put an end to the persecution of religious minorities, including the Baha'is, for their participation in social, educational and community activities that are part of their religious practice".