Local followers of a religion espousing universal peace, world unity and equality of the sexes have spoken out about the persecution of their fellow believers in Iran.

Members of the Baha'i religion in Harrow have issued a statement expressing their shock about reports that Baha'is have been arrested and their civil rights violated.

The faith -- founded in Persia 155 years ago by the prophet Baha'u'llah -- has several followers in Harrow, including Susan Imani of Cannonbury Avenue, Pinner, who is leading an appeal to put international pressure on Iran.

"So far there has been good support for the Baha'is of Iran from the British and other western governments," Mrs Imani said. "We are hoping that this continues.

"We know that Iran does pay heed to what other countries say, so international pressure is the best way open to us to try and protect our 300,000 brethren in that country."

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