Sun May 25 20:20:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Qatar of systemic discrimination against its Baha’i community, including arbitrary detentions, deportations, and denial of basic rights. HRW warns this discrimination threatens the community’s survival. They highlight specific cases of deportations and arrests, including that of Remy Rowhani, chair of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Qatar. The report cites the Baha’i community’s lack of access to dialogue with the government and the denial of official documents and job opportunities.
**News Article:**
**Human Rights Watch Accuses Qatar of Religious Discrimination Against Baha’i Community**
**Beirut – May 26, 2025** – Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released a damning report accusing Qatar of widespread discrimination against the Baha’i religious minority, warning of a severe threat to the community’s existence within the Gulf state.
The New York-based rights group alleges that the Qatari government has engaged in a pattern of intimidation, arbitrary detentions, and deportations targeting members of the Baha’i faith. Michael Page, HRW’s deputy Middle East director, stated that these actions constitute “state-sponsored discrimination” and represent a grave danger to the Baha’i community’s future in Qatar.
According to the report, at least 14 Baha’is have been deported from Qatar between 2003 and 2025, with no apparent reason given other than their religious affiliation. HRW highlighted the case of an Iranian Baha’i born in Qatar who was forced to leave in March 2025 under threat of expulsion.
The report also details the arrest and detention of Remy Rowhani, chair of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Qatar, on April 28th. Mr. Rowhani was arrested over posts from an X account linked to the Baha’i community under Qatar’s cybercrime law, after serving a month prison sentence in January 2025.
HRW claims Baha’is in Qatar also face systemic discrimination in employment and are often denied official documents. The rights group criticized the Qatari authorities for consistently ignoring attempts by Baha’i leaders to engage in dialogue and seek redress for these grievances.
The Baha’i faith, which has over seven million followers worldwide, is based on the teachings of Bahaullah, considered the prophet and founder of their monotheistic faith. Its global headquarters are located in Israel.
The Qatari government has yet to respond to HRW’s accusations. The report raises serious concerns about religious freedom in Qatar and calls for immediate action to address the alleged discrimination and protect the rights of the Baha’i community.
First Piper 