Iran Baha'i appeal

July 24, 1998 (BBC) -- Officials from the Baha'i religious community have appealed for international action to prevent the execution of three Baha'is condemned to death in Iran.

A spokesman for the French Baha'i group said the three were being held in prison in Mashhad and could be hanged in the next few days.

On Thursday, the State Department in Washington spoke out forcibly against the hanging of a Baha'i convict, Ruhollah Rowhani -- the first execution of a Baha'i since 1992.

Mr Rowhani was found quilty of converting a Muslim.

The statement claimed Mr Rowhani was killed for his faith: the Iranians have made no comment.