In the wake of the anti-riot drills that are currently taking place in Tehran (said to be the largest since 1979), Ali Kordan, the ousted Interior Minister declared that the aim of the drills was to “be ready to confront the psychological aggression of the enemy.”

In his speech, Kordan decried a range of issues – from modernism, to feminism and even the Internet. But most worrying were his comments against the “cultural aggression” of religious minorities, Baha’is being one of them.

But how have the Baha’is of Iran aggressed against their fellow citizens? Have they slandered the Muslim faith, or any other faith for that matter? Have they engaged in proselytizing activities? Have they forcefully converted anyone?

These statements were made not long after the public relations deputy at the Qom Theological Center announced the creation of the “Minorities Committee” that would “culturally confront” religious minorities and prevent their growth.

No details have been revealed regarding the nature of the “cultural confrontation”, but judging from Iran’s track record, it is likely to entail intimidation, lynching, destruction of property and a disregard for the sanctity of human life.

Grass-roots movements in Iran calling for change and a society that respects the rights of all its citizens have been flourishing, and the world has moved to support and pay attention to the noble aims of the citizens of Iran. It seems that the true motive behind the drills is to silence and intimidate the citizens of Iran, but as history has shown, the injustice cannot go on forever.