Sam Lim (Tangney, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I want to take this opportunity to speak to a grave matter. I speak in this parliament as a Buddhist and as a person from a different country. I would like to acknowledge that, in Australia, I have the freedom to express my views. In Australia, we have the gifts and protections that democracy allows. These protections are not afforded to all around the world. Right now, horrific abuse is taking place in Iran. There is bloodshed, violence, death and fear. This is marked by the brutal killing of Jina Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman, at the hands of the so-called morality police in Iran. The morality police said Jina was wearing her hijab too loosely. This is unconscionable. Jina's death is unconscionable.

This has led to protests. In Iran, people have taken to the streets. Women, in particular, have taken to the streets. These women are risking their lives to have their voices heard. These women are demonstrating, with their actions, that they would sooner face the risk of death than continue to face oppression. And people have faced death. Hundreds have lost their lives in the protests. For those who have been arrested, Iran's parliament recently voted in favour of the death penalty for all current protest prisoners.

Shockingly, the violence continues to grow, with members of the Baha'i faith subjected to appalling persecution. This violence is, tragically, nothing new. The Baha'i have been facing persecution from the Iranian government for 40 long years. There has been intensified repression of and discrimination against the Baha'i in Iran. This is deeply concerning. My heart breaks for and with the Baha'i people.

Amnesty International's 2021-22 report The state of the world's human rightshighlights the persecution inflicted on members of the Baha'i faith by the Iranian government, including restricted participation in education, employment and political office. It includes torture, arbitrary detention and other cruel, violent means. Enforced disappearances are not uncommon; nor is the forcible closure of businesses or confiscation of property. Houses are demolished, cemeteries are destroyed, and hate speech comes from officials and state media. Authorities have prevented Baha'is from burying their loved ones in empty plots in cemeteries, instead insisting that they use mass grave sites.

The Baha'i are not a violent people. Importantly, the Baha'i faith calls for obedience to civil authorities and rejects any acts of violence or aggression. The Baha'i are a kind people. They are a just people. They believe in the equality of women and men. They believe in the harmony of religion and science. They believe in the elimination of all forms of prejudice and an equal standard of human rights for all people. I am fortunate to have made connections with members of the Baha'i faith during my time as a police officer. These warm relationships continue. I am very grateful for the friendship of the Baha'i community of Melville, including Dr Jimmy Seow and his peers. Their tireless work inspires me.

The Albanese government condemns the human rights abuses perpetrated by Iran. Australia calls on Iran to respect human rights and cease discrimination against religious and ethnic minorities. We have raised our concerns with Iranian officials across multilateral fora, including at the UN. I stand in solidarity with those persecuted in Iran. I stand with them in their aspirations for freedom, self-governance and democracy. I stand with them in their campaign for peace. Zendibad Azadi! Long live freedom!

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