At several public appearances during his recent visit to the United States, the president of Iran was asked pointedly about his country's persecution of the Baha'i community in Iran.

The president of Iran spoke at Columbia University, New York City, NY on Monday, September 24, 2007. Following is an excerpt of opening remarks by Columbia University President Lee Bollinger, in which he references the Baha'is in Iran.

In a press conference before the National Press Club on Sept. 24, the president of Iran answered a question about the situation of the Baha'is by stating that only four religions are considered "divine religions" in Iran. Because the Baha'i Faith is not recognized, Baha'is in Iran are considered "unprotected infidels" whose civil and human rights may be violated with impunity.

At a UN press conference on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007, the president of Iran skirted a question from a Voice of America reporter who asked how the government of Iran can justify its policy of eradicating the Iranian Baha'i community.

Iran's treatment of the Baha'is was also the subject of an op-ed by Rep. Mark Kirk (IL) in the Sept. 30, 2007 Chicago Sun-Times, "Iran's crackdown victimizes Baha'is"