were being arrested, shops were also illegally shut down by the authorities after the Baha'i owners had closed them as part of their religious observance of Baha1 Holy Days. Mothers are imprisoned with their newborn children, who are then typically faced with serious illnesses because of lack of proper sanitation. Sometimes both parents are imprisoned, leaving the children to the care of others. When Bahai's take their cases to the government offices they are told that the orders have come from higher authorities. Trials are closed and judges are biased. Some courageous lawyers who, despite all sorts of pressures, agree to defend Baha'is then have to face the consequences.