“The medals won by Iranian athletes at the Olympic Games in London in 2012 was impressive. With a total of 12 medals, including four gold, Iran ranked in the top quarter of participating countries. It could perhaps have been more – but to be a professional athlete is not sufficient in Iran if you belong to the "wrong" religious group. This was the case of judoist Khashayar Zarei. In his age and weight class, the 19-year-old is one of the best in Iran. But participation in international competitions is denied him by the Islamic Republic. Because Khashayar Zarei belongs to the Baha'i Faith. Now he has been excluded because of his religion from studying architecture at the University of Shiraz…This is only a recent example of the various discriminations against Baha'is in Iran, which also includes bans on assembly, business closures, and finally incarceration.”