MUHJ63-86/274/Events Related to the Execution of Dr. Manúchihr Ḥakím

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Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 1963-1986 Events Related to the Execution of Dr. Manúchihr Ḥakím

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30 January 1981

To National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

274.1 We have been asked by the Universal House of Justice to share with you the following comments about events related to the martyrdom of Professor Manúchihr Ḥakím, and the general situation as it affects the safety of our brethren in Iran.

274.2 The National Spiritual Assembly of Iran believes that ominous signs foreshadow an intensification of the persecution of the Bahá’ís, particularly since the release of the American hostages, and it fears that they will again become the target of their traditional adversaries who are presently in power.

274.3 In reply to complaints from the Bahá’ís concerning the recent assassination of Professor Ḥakím, the authorities have insisted that the murderer is unknown to them, and they categorically deny any involvement in the case. [Page 475]It is very significant to note, however, that a few days after the assassination, the government officially produced documentation authorizing the confiscation of Professor Ḥakím’s house, and officials went to that house, took an inventory of its furnishings, and sealed it on Wednesday, 14 January. A lawyer who was protecting the interests of the Ḥakím family objected to this action, saying that the house belonged to and was in the name of Mrs. Germaine Ḥakím. On the next day about twenty Revolutionary guards entered the house and removed everything, including the car in the garage, leaving the premises entirely bare!

274.4 Many non-Bahá’ís in Iran have expressed sympathy to the Bahá’ís for the cruel death of Professor Ḥakím, who was renowned for his gentleness and his services to the community.

274.5 Mrs. Ḥakím has sent a number of cables of protest to Iran, but these have not thus far produced any favorable results. She is in Paris and has been advised to remain there since it is highly unsafe for her to return to Iran.

274.6 The National Spiritual Assembly is apprehensive about an official bill which is presently being drafted in the office of the Prime Minister, Mr. Rajá’í. This bill, if passed, will prevent the employment of Bahá’ís by any government or quasi-government institution. A circular letter has already been issued to all branches of the government, instructing them to dismiss all Bahá’ís. When the Bahá’ís do not fill out the blank marked “religion” on employment forms, they are asked again to complete the form so that there will be reason for their dismissal, namely being Bahá’ís. It should be recalled that the dismissal of Bahá’ís took place previously on a large scale in the field of education, and at that time the Minister of Education was the present Prime Minister, Mr. Rajá’í. A considerable number of dismissals also occurred in the Army, despite protests made by a cadre of officers in the Ministry of Defence.

274.7 The National Assembly also reports that a number of local mullas are continuously instigating the populace against the Bahá’ís in their respective areas. . . .

274.8 The Universal House of Justice will continue to keep you apprised from time to time of the latest developments concerning our beleaguered brethren in the Cradle of the Faith.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

DEPARTMENT OF THE SECRETARIAT