Written question asked by Louise Ellman (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 June 2015, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 June 2015 (named day). It was answered by Tobias Ellwood (Conservative) on Monday, 15 June 2015 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Iran: Baha'i Faith

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will raise the human rights of the Baha'i community in Iran with his Iranian counterpart.

Answer: Our non-resident Chargé d’Affaires raised the concerns of the Baha’i community with the Iranian authorities during his last visit to Iran on 18 May. We have repeatedly expressed our concern at the harassment faced by Baha’is in Iran and at the sentencing of seven Baha'i leaders to 20 years in prison. I met representatives of the Baha'i community on 10 February to discuss their concerns. We hope that the Government of Iran will ensure that all Iranian citizens are able to practise their faith freely, as required by international conventions.

Secondary information