Ever since the Baha’i faith was founded in Persia — now Iran — in the 19th century, its followers there have been persecuted. Human rights groups say this year, amid massive anti-government protests and war with the United States, the Islamic Republic has mounted a fierce crackdown. They say dozens of Baha’is have been imprisoned since January because of their faith and subjected to mistreatment ranging from electric shocks to mock hangings. Holy books and religious symbols have been desecrated during raids of Baha’i family homes, which these groups say is evidence of authorities’ sectarian motivations. Iran’s Foreign Ministry and its spokesperson at the United Nations didn’t respond to multiple requests to discuss the treatment of the Baha’i.