Persecution of Bahai's in Iran

Dear Sir, The Baha'is of Ireland recently took part in a national day of prayer for the Baha'i community in Iran, following a statement by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Ms Asma Jahangir Ms Jahangir, in a press release posted on 20 March 2006, stated that to discrimination she was highly concerned about a "confidential letter sent on 29 October 2005 by the Chairman of the Command Headquarters for the Armed Forces in Iran to a number of governmental agencies". The letter reveals that the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, has issued instructions to have the Baha'is in Iran identified and their activities monitored, requesting that various agencies, "in a highly confidential manner, collect any and all information about members of the Baha'i Faith". We have seen terrible persecution of Baha'is in Iran in the past, and this news seems to indicate the situation, which had improved due to pressure from the international community, is now deteriorating again. Sincerely, Frances Madden, Dublin.