Information on whether individual Bahais participate in political affairs, regardless of their religion's dictate on the matter, further to Response to Information Request IRN15963.E of 21 December 1993 [IRN20889.E]

According to the leader of the monarchist Constitutionalist Movement of Iran - Front Line in London, Bahais have not been members of Iranian political groups as their religion proscribes any involvement in political activities (6 June 1995). However, it is possible that individual Bahais have joined political groups without identifying themselves as Bahais. The leader is unaware of any type of cooperation between Bahais and monarchist groups.

A representative of the Iranian Association of Toronto states that the Bahai faith prohibits Bahais from involvement in political activities (6 June 1995). Those individual Bahais who have been politically active have not been practising their religion (ibid.). In practice, they gave up their faith when they began their political activities and remained non-religious during the period of their political activities (ibid.). The representative adds that such individuals have become members of political groups with different political orientations.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

References


Constitutionalist Movement of Iran - Front Line, London. 6 June 1995. Telephone interview with leader.

Iranian Association of Toronto, 6 June 1995. Telephone interview with representative.