continue reading at: http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/05/22/iran.bahais/index.html
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maandag 23 augustus 2010
Iran 'plans to destroy Baha'i community' [CNN]
NEW YORK (CNN) -- A top Baha'i official has criticized Iran's claim that the six imprisoned leaders of the religious minority were held for security reasons and not because of their faith.
continue reading at: http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/05/22/iran.bahais/index.html
continue reading at: http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/05/22/iran.bahais/index.html
zaterdag 21 augustus 2010
In Chicago, a host of sacred spaces [Washington Post]
...It was the first time the religion - begun in 19th-century Iran - was mentioned on this continent, and from the interest it sparked grew America's initial Bahai community. When ground was broken on North America's Bahai temple in 1912, it was in an open field far from commercial activity. Now it's nestled in the Chicago suburbs, the stunning setting - up against Lake Michigan, surrounded by manicured gardens of tulips and magnolias - perhaps all the more arresting for springing from such a mundane environment...
vrijdag 13 augustus 2010
NEDERLAND BEZORGD OVER LOT BAHA'I LEIDERS IRAN [BUZA]
Nieuwsbericht | 12 augustus 2010 | Mensenrechten
Nederland is zeer bezorgd over het lot van 7 leiders van de Baha’i-gemeenschap in Iran. De zeven worden ervan beschuldigd ‘vijanden van God’ te zijn en zouden volgens recente berichten tot 20 jaar gevangenisstraf zijn veroordeeld.
Nederland is bezorgd over de gebrekkige uitvoering van de rechtsgang in de zaak van de 7 Baha’i-leiders en vreest dat de arrestatie en veroordeling voortkomt uit discriminatie op basis van geloofsovertuiging.
De Baha’i zijn een religieuze minderheid in Iran die sedert de islamitische revolutie in 1979 vanwege de geloofsovertuiging wordt vervolgd. De afgelopen tijd is deze vervolging verder toegenomen.
“Dat deze mensen veroordeeld lijken te zijn vanwege hun geloof is schokkend” aldus Minister Verhagen. “Ik roep de Iraanse autoriteiten op zich te houden aan hun internationale verplichtingen op mensenrechtengebied. De Baha’i-leiders hebben recht op een eerlijk proces en dienen zo snel mogelijk vrijgelaten te worden.”
De zeven, Behrouz Tavakoli, Saeid Rezaie, Fariba Kamalabadi, Vahid Tizfahm, Jamaloddin Khanjani, Afif Naemi en Mahvash Sabet, zitten al sinds mei 2008 gevangen. Ze zijn officieel aangeklaagd wegens spionage en activiteiten tegen de nationale veiligheid.
Nederland is zeer bezorgd over het lot van 7 leiders van de Baha’i-gemeenschap in Iran. De zeven worden ervan beschuldigd ‘vijanden van God’ te zijn en zouden volgens recente berichten tot 20 jaar gevangenisstraf zijn veroordeeld.
Nederland is bezorgd over de gebrekkige uitvoering van de rechtsgang in de zaak van de 7 Baha’i-leiders en vreest dat de arrestatie en veroordeling voortkomt uit discriminatie op basis van geloofsovertuiging.
De Baha’i zijn een religieuze minderheid in Iran die sedert de islamitische revolutie in 1979 vanwege de geloofsovertuiging wordt vervolgd. De afgelopen tijd is deze vervolging verder toegenomen.
“Dat deze mensen veroordeeld lijken te zijn vanwege hun geloof is schokkend” aldus Minister Verhagen. “Ik roep de Iraanse autoriteiten op zich te houden aan hun internationale verplichtingen op mensenrechtengebied. De Baha’i-leiders hebben recht op een eerlijk proces en dienen zo snel mogelijk vrijgelaten te worden.”
De zeven, Behrouz Tavakoli, Saeid Rezaie, Fariba Kamalabadi, Vahid Tizfahm, Jamaloddin Khanjani, Afif Naemi en Mahvash Sabet, zitten al sinds mei 2008 gevangen. Ze zijn officieel aangeklaagd wegens spionage en activiteiten tegen de nationale veiligheid.
woensdag 11 augustus 2010
International outcry at prison sentences for Iranian Baha'i leaders
GENEVA — Reports that seven Iranian Baha'i leaders have each received prison sentences of 20 years have been met with condemnation from governments and human rights organizations around the world.
Australia, Canada, France, Germany – and the President of the European Parliament – have all expressed strong statements of concern.
They are calling for the prisoners to be released on bail, for an annulment of the judgment, and for Iran to demonstrate that the trial was fair and in accordance with international standards.
Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lawrence Cannon, said that his country was "deeply disturbed" by the sentences that were "passed without either written judgments or due process." He urged Iran to grant bail to the prisoners.
Germany described the outcome of the trial as a "massive setback for all those who engage themselves for the promotion of human dignity and human rights in Iran."
Markus Loning, commissioner for human rights and humanitarian aid at Germany's Foreign Office, said Iran must annul the judgment and "provide a fair and transparent court procedure."
"There are major doubts as to the compliance with the basic legal rights during the judicial proceedings," he said.
France expressed its "consternation" at the 20-year jail term.
At a press briefing, Christine Fages, a French Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, stated that Iranian authorities should stop persecuting Baha'is and other religious minorities and "respect the freedom of religion and conscience as defined by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran has freely signed up."
Australia has also shared its deep concern at the sentences. "We continue to call on Iran to ensure that all trials are fair and transparent and are conducted in accordance with Iran's international obligations," said a spokesman for the Australian government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
In a statement issued today, the President of the European Parliament – Jerzy Buzek – called the sentences "a shocking signal and an immense disappointment for all who have hoped for an improvement of the human rights situation in Iran."
"Iran has committed itself to international standards and I underline that this includes also the respect and protection of religious freedom," he said.
International human rights organizations have additionally joined the chorus of protest against the reported prison sentences.
The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran said the sentencing of the Baha'i leaders was "politically motivated, discriminatory, unjust, and illegal under Iranian and international law."
"They have been sentenced for being Baha'is, nothing else, and their incarceration thus expresses a policy of oppression of the Baha'i Faith and its members," said Aaron Rhodes, spokesperson for the Campaign.
Amnesty International described the Baha'i leaders as "prisoners of conscience jailed solely on account of their beliefs or peaceful activities on behalf of the persecuted Baha'i minority."
"The seven were held for months without charge before being subjected to a parody of a trial. They must be immediately released," said Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, Amnesty's Middle East and North Africa deputy director.
In a statement, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the Iranian League for the Defence of Human Rights (LDDHI) asked for the Iranian government to "act in conformity with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as international human rights instruments ratified by the Islamic Republic of Iran."
Human Rights Watch demanded the Iranian judiciary to release the seven immediately "given that no evidence appears to have ever been presented against them, and they have not been given a fair and public trial."
"For more than two years now the Iranian authorities have utterly failed to provide the slightest shred of evidence indicating any basis for detaining these seven Baha'i leaders, let alone sentencing them to 20 years in prison," said Joe Stork, deputy director of the Middle East division at Human Rights Watch.
Iran should take concrete steps that show it is committed to protecting the fundamental rights of Baha'is, said Mr. Stork
"The immediate and unconditional release of the seven Baha'i leaders would be a good start," he said.
Diane Ala'i, Baha'i representative to the United Nations in Geneva, said the Baha'i International Community deeply appreciates the committed support offered so far by governments and human rights organizations.
"These statements demonstrate that increasing numbers of people of all races and religions throughout the world want to see justice done in Iran – not just for the Baha'is but all of its citizens who face gross human rights violations," said Ms. Ala'i.
"For how much longer will the Iranian authorities remain oblivious to these upraised voices?" she said.
Australia, Canada, France, Germany – and the President of the European Parliament – have all expressed strong statements of concern.
They are calling for the prisoners to be released on bail, for an annulment of the judgment, and for Iran to demonstrate that the trial was fair and in accordance with international standards.
Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lawrence Cannon, said that his country was "deeply disturbed" by the sentences that were "passed without either written judgments or due process." He urged Iran to grant bail to the prisoners.
Germany described the outcome of the trial as a "massive setback for all those who engage themselves for the promotion of human dignity and human rights in Iran."
Markus Loning, commissioner for human rights and humanitarian aid at Germany's Foreign Office, said Iran must annul the judgment and "provide a fair and transparent court procedure."
"There are major doubts as to the compliance with the basic legal rights during the judicial proceedings," he said.
France expressed its "consternation" at the 20-year jail term.
At a press briefing, Christine Fages, a French Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, stated that Iranian authorities should stop persecuting Baha'is and other religious minorities and "respect the freedom of religion and conscience as defined by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran has freely signed up."
Australia has also shared its deep concern at the sentences. "We continue to call on Iran to ensure that all trials are fair and transparent and are conducted in accordance with Iran's international obligations," said a spokesman for the Australian government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
In a statement issued today, the President of the European Parliament – Jerzy Buzek – called the sentences "a shocking signal and an immense disappointment for all who have hoped for an improvement of the human rights situation in Iran."
"Iran has committed itself to international standards and I underline that this includes also the respect and protection of religious freedom," he said.
International human rights organizations have additionally joined the chorus of protest against the reported prison sentences.
The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran said the sentencing of the Baha'i leaders was "politically motivated, discriminatory, unjust, and illegal under Iranian and international law."
"They have been sentenced for being Baha'is, nothing else, and their incarceration thus expresses a policy of oppression of the Baha'i Faith and its members," said Aaron Rhodes, spokesperson for the Campaign.
Amnesty International described the Baha'i leaders as "prisoners of conscience jailed solely on account of their beliefs or peaceful activities on behalf of the persecuted Baha'i minority."
"The seven were held for months without charge before being subjected to a parody of a trial. They must be immediately released," said Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, Amnesty's Middle East and North Africa deputy director.
In a statement, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the Iranian League for the Defence of Human Rights (LDDHI) asked for the Iranian government to "act in conformity with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as international human rights instruments ratified by the Islamic Republic of Iran."
Human Rights Watch demanded the Iranian judiciary to release the seven immediately "given that no evidence appears to have ever been presented against them, and they have not been given a fair and public trial."
"For more than two years now the Iranian authorities have utterly failed to provide the slightest shred of evidence indicating any basis for detaining these seven Baha'i leaders, let alone sentencing them to 20 years in prison," said Joe Stork, deputy director of the Middle East division at Human Rights Watch.
Iran should take concrete steps that show it is committed to protecting the fundamental rights of Baha'is, said Mr. Stork
"The immediate and unconditional release of the seven Baha'i leaders would be a good start," he said.
Diane Ala'i, Baha'i representative to the United Nations in Geneva, said the Baha'i International Community deeply appreciates the committed support offered so far by governments and human rights organizations.
"These statements demonstrate that increasing numbers of people of all races and religions throughout the world want to see justice done in Iran – not just for the Baha'is but all of its citizens who face gross human rights violations," said Ms. Ala'i.
"For how much longer will the Iranian authorities remain oblivious to these upraised voices?" she said.
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Transfer of the seven Baha’i leaders to Raja’i prison in Karaj (Gohardasht) [IPW]
August 10th, 2010
After announcement of sentence of 20 years imprisonment each: Transfer of the seven Baha’i leaders to Raja’i prison in Karaj (Gohardasht)
Committee of Human Rights Reporters – Yesterday afternoon, after the announcement of a sentence of 20 years imprisonment for each of them, the seven former leaders of the Baha’i community of Iran were transferred to Raja’i prison in the city of Karaj (Gohardasht) [see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gohardasht_Prison].
The individuals are Mr. Jamaloddin Khanjani, Mr. Afif Naeimi, Mr. Saeid Rezaie, Mr. Behrouz Tavakkoli, and Mr.Vahid Tizfahm. There has not been any report about a transfer for Mrs. Fariba Kamalabadi or Mrs. Mahvash Sabet; however, it appears that all seven have been transferred to this prison.
After spending more than two years in temporary detention, yesterday the seven former leaders of the Baha’i community, who were known as “friends of Iran” [Yaran], were sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment. Six of the seven Baha’is have been in custody since May 14th 2008, when they were arrested in a raid of police forces on their homes; the seventh, Mrs. Mahvash Sabet, was arrested on March 5th 2008 in Mashhad.
It should be mentioned that Raja’i prison in Mashhad has frequently been criticized by human rights advocates for its unsanitary environment, lack of medical services, crowded prison cells and unfair treatment of inmates by guards. Before this but after the recent execution of five political prisoners in Iran, some political prisoners and journalists — such as Ahmad Zeyd Abadi, Esa Saharkhiz, Masood Bastani and Heshmat-Allah Tabarzadi — were also transferred from Evin prison to Raja’i prison in Karaj.
From: http://www.iranpresswatch.org/post/6315
After announcement of sentence of 20 years imprisonment each: Transfer of the seven Baha’i leaders to Raja’i prison in Karaj (Gohardasht)
Committee of Human Rights Reporters – Yesterday afternoon, after the announcement of a sentence of 20 years imprisonment for each of them, the seven former leaders of the Baha’i community of Iran were transferred to Raja’i prison in the city of Karaj (Gohardasht) [see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gohardasht_Prison].
The individuals are Mr. Jamaloddin Khanjani, Mr. Afif Naeimi, Mr. Saeid Rezaie, Mr. Behrouz Tavakkoli, and Mr.Vahid Tizfahm. There has not been any report about a transfer for Mrs. Fariba Kamalabadi or Mrs. Mahvash Sabet; however, it appears that all seven have been transferred to this prison.
After spending more than two years in temporary detention, yesterday the seven former leaders of the Baha’i community, who were known as “friends of Iran” [Yaran], were sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment. Six of the seven Baha’is have been in custody since May 14th 2008, when they were arrested in a raid of police forces on their homes; the seventh, Mrs. Mahvash Sabet, was arrested on March 5th 2008 in Mashhad.
It should be mentioned that Raja’i prison in Mashhad has frequently been criticized by human rights advocates for its unsanitary environment, lack of medical services, crowded prison cells and unfair treatment of inmates by guards. Before this but after the recent execution of five political prisoners in Iran, some political prisoners and journalists — such as Ahmad Zeyd Abadi, Esa Saharkhiz, Masood Bastani and Heshmat-Allah Tabarzadi — were also transferred from Evin prison to Raja’i prison in Karaj.
From: http://www.iranpresswatch.org/post/6315
A total of 140 years of prison for the seven Baha’i leaders [IPW]
August 9th, 2010
HRANA News – Each of the 7 former leaders of the Baha’i community has been sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment.
As reported by the Committee of Reporters on Human Rights, this sentence comes after more than 2 years during which they had been detained in prison, under repeated illegal orders. Previously, many times court sessions had been postponed, but in recent months, after holding several court sessions, finally the 20 year sentence of imprisonment has been handed down to their attorneys.
Six of the seven Baha’is who had been responsible for attending to the affairs of the Baha’is of Iran had been detained since 25 Ordibehesht 1387 [14 May 2008], following coordinated attacks by the security forces on their homes. The seventh, Mrs Mahvash Sabet, had been arrested in Mashad previously, on 15 Esfand 1386 [5 March 2008].
From: http://www.iranpresswatch.org/post/6307
HRANA News – Each of the 7 former leaders of the Baha’i community has been sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment.
As reported by the Committee of Reporters on Human Rights, this sentence comes after more than 2 years during which they had been detained in prison, under repeated illegal orders. Previously, many times court sessions had been postponed, but in recent months, after holding several court sessions, finally the 20 year sentence of imprisonment has been handed down to their attorneys.
Six of the seven Baha’is who had been responsible for attending to the affairs of the Baha’is of Iran had been detained since 25 Ordibehesht 1387 [14 May 2008], following coordinated attacks by the security forces on their homes. The seventh, Mrs Mahvash Sabet, had been arrested in Mashad previously, on 15 Esfand 1386 [5 March 2008].
From: http://www.iranpresswatch.org/post/6307
maandag 9 augustus 2010
Reports say Iran's seven Baha'i leaders "sentenced" [BWNS]
NEW YORK, 8 August (BWNS) - The Baha'i International Community has received reports indicating that seven Iranian Baha'i leaders have each received jail sentences of 20 years.
The two women and five men have been held in Tehran's notorious Evin prison since they were arrested in 2008 - six of them on 14 May and one of them two months earlier.
"If this news proves to be accurate, it represents a deeply shocking outcome to the case of these innocent and harmless people," said Bani Dugal, the principal representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations.
"We understand that they have been informed of this sentence and that their lawyers are in the process of launching an appeal," said Ms. Dugal.
The prisoners - Fariba Kamalabadi, Jamaloddin Khanjani, Afif Naeimi, Saeid Rezaie, Mahvash Sabet, Behrouz Tavakkoli, and Vahid Tizfahm - were all members of a national-level group that helped see to the minimum needs of Iran's 300,000-strong Baha'i community, the country's largest non-Muslim religious minority.
The trial of the seven consisted of six brief court appearances which began on 12 January this year after they had been incarcerated without charge for 20 months, during which time they were allowed barely one hour's access to their legal counsel. The trial ended on 14 June.
The defendants were accused of espionage, propaganda activities against the Islamic order, and the establishment of an illegal administration, among other allegations. All the charges are completely and categorically denied.
The two women and five men have been held in Tehran's notorious Evin prison since they were arrested in 2008 - six of them on 14 May and one of them two months earlier.
"If this news proves to be accurate, it represents a deeply shocking outcome to the case of these innocent and harmless people," said Bani Dugal, the principal representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations.
"We understand that they have been informed of this sentence and that their lawyers are in the process of launching an appeal," said Ms. Dugal.
The prisoners - Fariba Kamalabadi, Jamaloddin Khanjani, Afif Naeimi, Saeid Rezaie, Mahvash Sabet, Behrouz Tavakkoli, and Vahid Tizfahm - were all members of a national-level group that helped see to the minimum needs of Iran's 300,000-strong Baha'i community, the country's largest non-Muslim religious minority.
The trial of the seven consisted of six brief court appearances which began on 12 January this year after they had been incarcerated without charge for 20 months, during which time they were allowed barely one hour's access to their legal counsel. The trial ended on 14 June.
The defendants were accused of espionage, propaganda activities against the Islamic order, and the establishment of an illegal administration, among other allegations. All the charges are completely and categorically denied.
Original article at http://news.bahai.org/story/786
vrijdag 6 augustus 2010
Detention extended for seven Iranian Baha'i leaders [BWNS]
GENEVA, 5 August (BWNS) – The imprisonment of seven Baha'i leaders in Iran has been extended for a further two months, the Baha'i International Community has learned.
The trial of the seven concluded on 14 June. No verdict has yet been given.
"These innocent Baha'is have now been held for more than two years under a series of successive orders for their 'temporary' detention, which by law must not exceed two months," said Diane Ala'i, representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations in Geneva.
On 24 July, two days after the most recent two-month prison term concluded, the defense attorneys for the seven once again issued a formal request that the prisoners be released on bail, as permitted under Iranian law.
Since then, the judge presiding over the case has told the prisoners that their detention had once again been extended for two months.
The attorneys have now submitted a written objection to the extension, said Ms. Alai.
"There is no legal basis whatsoever to refuse the request that the defendants be released on bail," she said.
Continue reading here at news.bahai.org
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