Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Aug. 15 condemned the five-year prison sentence of Remi Rowhani, a Baha'i religious dignitary, following months of trial by Qatari authorities. Rowhani was charged for promoting an ideology that casts doubt on the foundations of Islam, with the accusation stemming from several social media posts by members of the Qatari Baha’i community. The court cited article 259 of the Penal Code—which states that whoever casts doubt on the tenets of Islam, or "calls upon, or favors or promoted another religion," faces a maximum of five years in prison.

Additionally, HRW noted that the court denied Rowhani's defense access to court documents laying out the charges and evidence, while also preventing them from participating in the initial hearing in mid-June—violating the principle of due process and fair trial.

Such actions breach key provisions of the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Article 14, for example, stipulates that everyone is entitled to a fair and public hearing when facing criminal charges, whereas Article 18 states that "everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion."

The Baha'i faith was founded in the 19th century, emphasizing on the unity of all religions and the belief that all prophets are God's manifestations sent as educators of humanity. It has more than 5 million followers, particularly across the Middle East.

According to a July UN expert report, Rowhani's arrest mirrors a pattern of discrimination against the Baha'i, condemning the Qatar's refusal to recognize the community as a violation to freedom of religion's international protections.

Additionally, a Human Rights Watch report in May charged that Qatari authorities have systematically discriminated against the community through arbitrary deportations and denial of legal rights.

From JURIST, Aug. 16. Used with permission.

See our last report on persecution of the Baha'i.