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Egypt court rules against Baha'is on ID cards, upholding policy of discrimination.

Article Excerpt
CAIRO -- In a closely watched case that became the focus of a national debate on religious freedom, Egypt's Supreme Administrative Court has ruled against the right of Baha'is to be properly identified on government documents.

The decision, handed down on 16 December 2006, upholds a government policy that forces the Baha'is either to lie about their religious beliefs or give up their state identification cards. The policy effectively deprives Egyptian Baha'is of access to most rights of citizenship, including education, financial services, and even medical care.

The ruling was immediately criticized by the Baha'i International Community and human rights organizations in Egypt. It also received extensive media coverage in Egypt and the Arab world.

"We deplore the Court's ruling in this case, which violates an extensive body of international law on human rights and religious freedom to which Egypt has long been a party," said Bani Dugal, the principal representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations. "The Court's decision threatens to make non-citizens of an entire religious community, solely on the basis of...

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