Latest news with #Baha'i
Free Malaysia Today
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Human Rights Watch accuses Qatar of discrimination
The Baha'i faith is based on the teachings of Bahaullah. (AFP pic) BEIRUT : Human Rights Watch today accused Qatar of discriminating against the Baha'i religious minority, citing arbitrary detentions and warning of a threat to the community's survival in the Gulf state. 'The Baha'i community of Qatar has endured decades of government discrimination and intimidation, and authorities have consistently ignored community leaders' repeated efforts to engage the government in dialogue and seek redress,' said Michael Page, HRW's deputy Middle East director. 'This state-sponsored discrimination poses a threat to the very existence of the Baha'i community of Qatar,' he said in a statement. The Baha'i faith, whose global headquarters is in Israel, claims more than 7 million followers worldwide. It is based on the teachings of Bahaullah, who was born in Iran in 1817 and is considered the prophet and founder of their monotheistic faith. Between 2003 and 2025, Qatar 'deported as many as 14 members of the group for no apparent reason other than individuals belonging to the Baha'i faith', HRW said. It cited the case of an Iranian Baha'i born in Qatar who was forced to leave in March 2025 under threat of expulsion for 'disrupting public order', without a written explanation. The New York-based rights group also mentioned Remy Rowhani, arrested and detained on April 28 over posts from an X account linked to the Baha'i community, under Qatar's cybercrime law. Rowhani, chair of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Qatar, had already been released in January 2025 after serving a one-month prison sentence, HRW added. The group said Baha'is had also faced job rejections and denial of official documents.
The Hindu
25-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
HRW accuses Qatar of discriminating against Baha'i minority
Human Rights Watch on Sunday (May 25, 2025) accused Qatar of discriminating against the Baha'i religious minority, citing arbitrary detentions and warning of a threat to the community's survival in the Gulf state. "The Baha'i community of Qatar has endured decades of government discrimination and intimidation, and authorities have consistently ignored community leaders' repeated efforts to engage the government in dialogue and seek redress," said Michael Page, HRW's deputy Middle East director. "This state-sponsored discrimination poses a threat to the very existence of the Baha'i community of Qatar," he said in a statement. The Baha'i faith, whose global headquarters is in Israel, claims more than seven million followers worldwide. It is based on the teachings of Bahaullah, who was born in Iran in 1817 and is considered the prophet and founder of their monotheistic faith. Between 2003 and 2025, Qatar "deported as many as 14 members of the group for no apparent reason other than individuals belonging to the Baha'i faith", HRW said. It cited the case of an Iranian Baha'i born in Qatar who was forced to leave in March 2025 under threat of expulsion for "disrupting public order", without a written explanation. The New York-based rights group also mentioned Remy Rowhani, arrested and detained on April 28 over posts from an X account linked to the Baha'i community, under Qatar's cybercrime law. Mr. Rowhani, chair of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Qatar, had already been released in January 2025 after serving a one-month prison sentence, HRW added. The group said Baha'is had also faced job rejections and denial of official documents.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
HRW accuses Qatar of discriminating against Baha'i minority
HRW accuses Qatar of discriminating against Baha'i minority BEIRUT: Human Rights Watch on Sunday accused Qatar of discriminating against the Baha'i religious minority, citing arbitrary detentions and warning of a threat to the community's survival in the Gulf state. "The Baha'i community of Qatar has endured decades of government discrimination and intimidation, and authorities have consistently ignored community leaders' repeated efforts to engage the government in dialogue and seek redress," said Michael Page, HRW's deputy Middle East director. "This state-sponsored discrimination poses a threat to the very existence of the Baha'i community of Qatar," he said in a statement. The Baha'i faith, whose global headquarters is in Israel, claims more than seven million followers worldwide. It is based on the teachings of Bahaullah, who was born in Iran in 1817 and is considered the prophet and founder of their monotheistic faith. Between 2003 and 2025, Qatar "deported as many as 14 members of the group for no apparent reason other than individuals belonging to the Baha'i faith", HRW said. It cited the case of an Iranian Baha'i born in Qatar who was forced to leave in March 2025 under threat of expulsion for "disrupting public order", without a written explanation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo The New York-based rights group also mentioned Remy Rowhani, arrested and detained on April 28 over posts from an X account linked to the Baha'i community, under Qatar's cybercrime law. Rowhani, chair of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Qatar, had already been released in January 2025 after serving a one-month prison sentence, HRW added. The group said Baha'is had also faced job rejections and denial of official documents.
Scoop
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Qatari Baha'i Dignitary Arrested In Doha On False Allegations Inspired By Iran Persecution
GENEVA—7 May 2025—The Baha'i International Community (BIC) is alarmed by the recent arrest and detention of Mr. Remy Rowhani, a senior Baha'i dignitary and respected Qatari citizen, in Doha on 28 April. Mr. Rowhani was summoned to the Ministry of Interior Criminal Investigation Department for questioning. He was subsequently detained without explanation or access to his lawyer and his detention has been extended several times—the latest of which was for a month. Mr. Rowhani later informed his lawyer that the Deputy Prosecutor conveyed three allegations to him by phone, two of which were 'promoting the ideology of a deviant sect' and 'inciting public opinion.' (Mr. Rowhani does not recall the third allegation and officials will not repeat it to him.) The complaint was brought by the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs. Officials told Mr. Rowhani that the allegations relate to an X social media account representing the Qatari Baha'i community, created 5 years ago, which shares posts celebrating Qatari holidays and promoting values such as honesty and service to others. 'The charges brought against Remy Rowhani not only target him personally, but also falsely imply wrongdoing by the Baha'i community of Qatar,' said Dr. Saba Haddad, BIC Representative to the United Nations in Geneva. 'Targeting Mr. Rowhani is a way to intimidate the whole Baha'i community—for no reason other than their beliefs. The Baha'i International Community is also alarmed that these allegations directly mirror those brought by the Islamic Republic of Iran against Baha'is in that country. The Iranian government is, without doubt, exporting its persecution of Baha'is beyond its borders.' Advertisement - scroll to continue reading Officials have not given Mr. Rowhani's lawyer a formal statement of charges, and he has been denied bail. The latest developments come just three months after Mr. Rowhani's unwarranted imprisonment late last year—an incident which marked a serious escalation in the ongoing pattern of state-sponsored discrimination against the Baha'i community in Qatar. The continued targeting of Mr. Rowhani, and the unfounded allegations brought against him, is the most recent example of the decades of systematic discrimination, blacklisting, deportations, family separations, and stifled career opportunities, of innocent and law-abiding citizens and residents, purely on account of their faith. Qatar's government has ignored repeated appeals by the Baha'i community and shows no indication that they plan to improve the situation—which has forced the BIC to issue statements at the United Nations Human Rights Council on the dire situation of Qatar's Baha'i community. The BIC is concerned that Qatari officials are retaliating against these statements by targeting Mr. Rowhani. The Baha'i International Community urgently calls upon the Qatari authorities to: Immediately and unconditionally release Mr. Remy Rowhani and clear his record. Appoint an appropriate official government liaison with the Baha'is in Qatar. Cease all forms of discrimination against the Baha'is in Qatar, and guarantee that Baha'is are no longer arbitrarily blacklisted, unfairly expelled, or subjected to systemic exclusion. The BIC further calls on Qatar to demonstrate that its commitments to human rights and social cohesion—principles it has publicly pledged to champion—are upheld in practice, not merely in words. Background On 23 December 2024, Mr. Remy Rowhani, a prominent Qatari citizen, former Director of the International Chamber of Commerce's MENA regional office and chairperson of the Assembly of the Baha'is of Qatar, was detained at Doha International Airport while attempting to travel for a short holiday. Despite having received verbal assurances from authorities that he was free to travel, Mr. Rowhani was arrested and placed in unsanitary detention conditions. The baseless case against Mr. Rowhani Mr. Rowhani's case highlights decades of systemic discrimination against the Baha'i community in Qatar. Despite overseeing voluntary financial contributions from Baha'is to the community, with the full knowledge of the Qatari authorities, Mr. Rowhani was charged in 2021 with collecting funds without a permit. His actions were not illegal under Qatari law at the time and no evidence was provided for the charges. Initially sentenced to six months' imprisonment and a fine of $27,000, on appeal in 2022 his sentence was later reduced to one month in prison and a fine of $13,700. After receiving verbal assurances via a third party that the sentence would not be enforced, in late 2024, Mr. Rowhani discovered that his case had been reopened and his access to key government services was restricted. He had been cleared to travel by airport authorities but, on 23 December 2024, he was detained and forced to begin his month-long prison sentence. He was also told that he would remain under surveillance for three years following his release. The case and sentence against Mr. Rowhani were spurious, and his imprisonment arbitrary, vindictive, and undignified, and Mr. Rowhani had been framed only for his religious beliefs and for discharging his community responsibilities. Mr. Rowhani's pastoral role in the Baha'i community For over eight years, Mr. Rowhani has served as chairperson of the Assembly of the Baha'is of Qatar, the elected governing institution of the Baha'i community in Qatar. His role is pastoral and addresses only the spiritual and administrative needs of the Baha'i religious community—which has existed in Qatar for over 80 years. His detention is emblematic of the broader pattern of discrimination faced by members of the Baha'i community in Qatar. Government discrimination against the Baha'i community in Qatar Over the eight decades the Baha'i community has existed in Qatar, it has sought to engage government authorities to address any misunderstandings and the systemic challenges such as discrimination, but to no avail. The BIC has long highlighted the relentless and concerted discrimination faced by the community. Baha'is in Qatar are denied formal recognition, resulting in significant hardships including the termination of residency permits, denial of certificates of good conduct, sudden refusals of residency, and unjust restrictions on family reunification. These measures risk the community's total erasure from Qatar.
The Star
07-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Ex-teacher's 100th birthday a testament to healthy, spiritual living
Theresa (seated) celebrating her 100th birthday surrounded by family and close friends. GOOD genes, a healthy lifestyle and a lifelong positive outlook have contributed to 100-year-old Theresa Yan's longevity. Tan Boon Tin, Theresa's son-in-law, said the centenarian who celebrated her birthday on April 25 was still in good health. 'She does not have any major illnesses and she still has all her natural teeth. 'However, she has dementia and is living in a nursing home in Ipoh, Perak. 'She cooked when she was younger and always ate fresh fruits and plenty of vegetables,' he added. 'She has two sisters, Lily, 98, and Rose, 96, who are residing in Seremban, Negri Sembilan, and Singapore respectively. 'Their long lives can be attributed to good genetics, healthy living and most of all, their spiritual outlook, as caring for others and being of service to them played a central part in their daily activities.' Tan said Theresa had often visited people and provided them with emotional and spiritual support when she was younger. 'She would advise and comfort them to help them overcome their problems. 'She would always encourage them to have a positive outlook in life and to forgive without holding any grudges,' he said, adding that Theresa was formerly a teacher. According to Tan, Theresa was born in Gajah Berang in Melaka but made Ipoh her home 60 years ago. 'Over the years, she taught in Seremban and in Alor Setar, Kedah. 'She was well-loved by all her students as she helped many students emotionally, to ensure they completed their schooling.' Tan said Theresa, who was married to the late Chee Ah Kin, has three children. 'Dennis, 72, is in Kuala Lumpur, while Ben, 70, is in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Doreen, 69, is in Ipoh. 'She has 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.' Tan said Theresa, like him, belongs to the Baha'i community. 'She was the first Baha'i member in the northern region of the country in 1960,' he said, adding that the Baha'i faith was established in Malaysia in 1953. 'Many of us fondly referred to her as the 'Northern Star' for making this brave move, which in turn introduced many of us to the new teaching based on the unity of mankind.' Tan said the centenary celebration was held at the nursing home, with Theresa surrounded by her family members and a few close friends. 'Because of the restriction at the home, the celebration was limited to only a few of us.' He said that during the celebration, Theresa also held a virtual meeting via video conferencing with family members who were living abroad.
