The year just closing has been overshadowed by the continued
persecution of the friends in Iran. They have been forced to disband their
administrative structure, they have been harassed, dispossessed, dismissed from
employment, made homeless and their children are refused education. Some six
hundred men, women and children are now in prison, some denied any contact with
their friends and relatives, some subjected to torture and all under pressure
to recant their faith.
- The Universal House of Justice (Ridvan message, 1984)
