Iran: 70 Bahai students expelled from university

Adnkronos International – Iran’s education ministry has ordered the expulsion from university of 70 students of the Bahai religion who have refused to convert to Islam. The ministry has also prevented 191 Bahai followers from sitting university entrance exams, Bahai activists have told the United Nations.

 The Iranian constitution does not recognise the Bahai as having the status of a minority religion – such as Jews and Chrstians – and according to the law, those that profess the faith and are members of the Bahai community can face the death penalty.

Bahais in Iran who do not renounce their faith are denied access to university and jobs in any public professions.

A follower of the Bahai faith, Zabiollah Mehrami was killed on 15 December 2005 while in jail in the Yazd prison in central Iran and the circumstances behind his death are unclear.