In a written statement, German Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights Markus Löning, has condemned the persecution of Baha'is in Iran, in particular in the city of Semnan. "Attacks, arrests and targeted intimidation of members of the Baha'is are just as unacceptable as the arbitrary closing of shops and expulsions of students from Iranian universities," wrote Mr.Löning. "I appeal to the Iranian government to immediately stop the persecution of the Bahais and to adhere to its international obligations."