E/CN.4/1990/46
page 20
due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of
meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general
welfare in a democratic society1.
"5. With regard to the Jehovah's Witnesses, its teachings and practices
are viewed as contrary to the true Christian faith and its propagation
has caused concern to Christian adherents. This is because:
"(a) It considers schools, government, churches outside their own
community, even the United Nations, as Satan's creation and therefore
must not be followed;
"(b) Its aggressive manner in propagating its teachings, trying to
convert other adherents to this faith, is in violation of the decree
issued jointly by the Ministers for religion towards those who are
adherents of other religions.
"The Jehovah's Witnesses is banned in Indonesia by governmental
decree of 1976.
"6. With regard to the Baha'i movement, its teachings and practices are
contrary to and deviate from the teachings of Islam, particularly to its
practices, creed and on marriage. As an illustration, the following may
be noted as an example:
"(a) Baha'ullah Mirza Hussein Ali (founder of the movement) is
considered as a prophet who would perfect the work of all prophets, so
that in the world there would only be one religion and one religious
leader;
"(b) The Haj pilgrimage is not to Mecca but to Akka in Iran.
Baha'i is banned in Indonesia by governmental decree of 1962.
The
" 7 . Other 'misleading cults' are banned in Indonesia not because of
intolerance on the part of the Government of Indonesia but, on the
contrary, it is precisely to maintain peace and harmony between and among
the adherents of the various religions. Without the Government's
handling in the matter, the activities of these 'cults' (including
Jehovah's Witnesses, Baha'i) may create disturbances and disrupt the
existing religious tolerance."
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
50. In a communication of 13 October 1989 addressed to the Government
concerned, the following information was transmitted by the Special Rapporteur:
"It has been reported that, although in certain respects the
situation of the Baha'i community has improved, cases of discrimination
and persecution, including executions, arrests and confiscation of
property, continued to occur.
"The relatives of two Baha'i prisoners, Bihnam Pasha'i, resident of
Simnan, detained since November 1983, and of Iraj Afshin, detained since
1986, were reportedly informed, in late 1988, that both men had been
executed.