Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Iran

Baha'i Representative Says Iran Stepping Up Persecution

(RFE/RL)

June 7, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- A representative to the United Nations for the Baha'i International Community says Iran has stepped up its persecution of believers of the religious faith.

TEXT SIZE - +

June 07, 2007

Bani Dugal said Iran's Information Ministry appeared to be systematically generating suspicion, fear, and hatred toward Baha'i followers in an attempt to destabilize the community.

The Baha'i faith originated in Iran during the 19th century. Of an estimated 5 million followers worldwide, some 350,000 now live in Iran. But Tehran does not officially recognize the religion.

Religion And Tolerance

A thematic webpage devoted to issues of religious tolerance in RFE/RL's broadcast region and around the globe.

Many Iranians have been claiming that their access to social networks and Internet-based e-mail sites has been blocked in recent days.

Iran Tightens Internet Control

Iranians are reporting that their access to Facebook and Internet-based e-mail sites like Gmail has been blocked, without any explanation from the government. Not even the strongest antifiltering programs have penetrated the firewall, they say. Some speculate the move is related to Iran's plan to launch a national internet, which might sever Iranians' ability to access the World Wide Web. More

Web-savvy Iranian oppositionists are renowned for their ability to use proxies and other means to circumvent Tehran

Explainer: Iran's National Internet

Reports that Iran has stepped up its Internet censorship in recent days -- as evidenced by a general slowdown of the web, Internet blackouts, and the blocking of sites such as Google -- has raised speculation that the country might be testing its controversial "national Internet." More

A cardboard Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini arrives in Tehran to mark the 33rd anniversary of his triumphant return to Iran following the Islamic Revolution.

Iran's 'Cardboard Khomeini' Faces Criticism, Condemnation

Iran's "Cardboard Khomeini" is fueling a firestorm of criticism in the Middle Eastern country after cutouts of the Islamic republic's founder appeared at a number of events, and photos mocking the mock-up went viral. More