Baha'is are threatened with death in Shiraz

Although according to most reports of international human rights organizations Baha'is social rights are being constantly violated inside Iran, recent reports have emerged that 9 Baha'is residents in Shiraz have been threatened with death and there is a report that shows there was an unsuccessful effort to burn one of these residents by using gasoline.

This report has revealed that on 3/19/2008 unidentified individuals strove to burn one of these residents (who lives in Shiraz) after pouring gasoline on him; but their effort was unsuccessful and they finally escaped. This issue has also been reported to the Ministry of Intelligence and the Police Department of Shiraz.

The following is the text of the report sent by the person who was engulfed earlier today in persecutions directed at Baha'is in Shiraz by a certain group called Unknown Soldiers of Imam Zaman. For the Ministry of Intelligence and Security of the Province of Fars:
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To the Esteemed Ministry of Intelligence and Security of the Province of Fars

"With respect, attached please find a copy of a warning letter dated 17 March 2008 sent by the group Sarbazan Gumnam Imam Zaman ('the unknown soldiers of the Lord of the Age'), indicating that I and eight others will be publicly executed for being Baha'is."

"Today, 19 March 2008, I parked my automobile in Davari Street in order to attend to a business engagement in Sa'di Street. I attended to my work on Sa'di Street and when I returned to my car and opened its door, I noticed a person [on the sidewalk] who was holding a gallon size container. He asked me for gasoline, saying, "My family is in my car [which has ran out of gas] and if possible, please give me some gas so I can reach the gas station." I opened my gas tank, but didn't have a hose. He went to his car, in which a woman in a black chador was sitting in the front seat, and from the truck brought out a hose. He siphoned gas from my tank and filled his gallon container."

"He then placed the container on the asphalt and from behind grabbed me firmly, placing one hand over my mouth. At the same time another person, who appeared to be passing by on the sidewalk, quickly came forward and helped him carry me to a nearby tree where they chained me and secured it with a lock around my neck. They then poured gasoline all over me. The first person quickly went to his car and got in. The second person struck a match and threw it towards me. But it did not light. The second match died when struck. The third match struck my clothes and extinguished. The fourth and final match fell near my foot and while it was lit, I put it out with my shoe."

"At that point, he too ran away and got into the car and together they disappeared. Two kids were riding their bicycles in the same sidewalk and saw me. I called them forward. At the same time, one of the residences was leaving his house in his car. I also called him, and upon seeing the situation, he was frightened. I told him, "Call 110 [the emergency in Iran]". But he said, "I'm not from here; ask someone else." He left. Other residents began to tell each other and soon a crowd was gathered."

"By that time, I was beginning to recover somewhat. I noticed my own mobile phone and called 110. Other residents also called the emergency services. After a half an hour, officers came from Zand police station. At first, they tried to break the chain with an axe, to no avail. Then one of the neighbors brought some keys and managed to open the lock."

"One of the officers placed me in his car and took me to the police station; where a report was prepared, which I enclose."

"With respect."

(Signature withheld. 29.12.1386 [19 March 2008])
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From the Sarbazan Gumnam Imam Zamam:

"In the Name of God, the Sentry of the blood of martyrs and the Destroyer of corrupts and oppressors!"

"Mr. _________ [name removed by Iranian Baha'is]"

"Another page is recorded in the golden tablet of the Islamic Revolution, so that future generations will know that Islam and Muslims are vigilant and would not fall prey to the trickery of the devotees and spies of Israel, nor would they allow followers of the pure religion of Muhammad to be deceived by charlatans like you. Therefore, in accordance with the research conducted by the Sarbazan Gumnam of the Imam Zaman, established in the city of [Shiraz] you and eight other infidels (i.e. Baha'is) are condemned to revolutionary execution which will be soon carried out publicly."

"As a follower of the false Prophets Baha'u'llah and Siyyid-e Bab, ask them, if indeed they are true, to prevent the execution of this decree, and much like Abraham the Friend, for Whom God made the fire cool, to cool the fire for you."

"Let this serve as a warning notice for all your co-religionists."