Human Rights Watch recently shed light on the plight of the Baha’i religious minority in Qatar, accusing the Gulf state of subjecting them to discrimination and arbitrary detentions. The report paints a grim picture of the challenges faced by the Baha’i community, highlighting a pattern of government oppression and intimidation that has persisted over decades.
According to Michael Page, HRW’s deputy Middle East director, the Baha’i community in Qatar has been at the receiving end of systematic discrimination, with authorities turning a blind eye to their repeated attempts to engage in dialogue and seek justice. This entrenched state-sponsored discrimination not only undermines the fundamental rights of the Baha’i followers but also poses a grave threat to the very survival of the community within Qatar’s borders.
The Baha’i faith, with its global headquarters in Israel, boasts a following of more than seven million adherents worldwide. Rooted in the teachings of Bahaullah, a revered figure in Iran, this monotheistic faith has been a target of persecution and discrimination in various parts of the world. In Qatar, between 2003 and 2025, the community witnessed the unjust deportation of at least 14 members, solely based on their religious affiliation, as highlighted by HRW’s findings.
One poignant case cited by the report is that of an Iranian Baha’i who was born in Qatar and faced expulsion in March 2025 without a valid reason, other than being a member of the Baha’i faith. The individual was coerced to leave under the pretext of disrupting public order, a vague accusation that lacked concrete justification. Additionally, Remy Rowhani, a prominent figure within the Baha’i community and the chair of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Qatar, was arrested and detained under the cybercrime law for social media posts linked to the community.
The arbitrary arrests, deportations, and harassment faced by Baha’is in Qatar not only violate their basic human rights but also reflect a broader trend of religious intolerance and discrimination in the region. The denial of job opportunities and official documents further exacerbates the challenges faced by this marginalized community, pushing them to the fringes of society.
The implications of Qatar’s discriminatory practices against the Baha’i minority extend beyond its borders, reverberating in the global discourse on religious freedom and human rights. As advocates and organizations continue to shine a spotlight on such injustices, it underscores the urgent need for governments and international bodies to address systemic discrimination and protect the rights of all religious communities.
In conclusion, the allegations of discrimination against the Baha’i minority in Qatar serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by marginalized groups in their quest for equality and justice. It calls upon individuals, organizations, and nations to stand in solidarity against all forms of discrimination and persecution, fostering a world where diversity is celebrated, and human rights are upheld without prejudice or bias.
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