Baha'i leaders make second court appearance

Geneva, 7 February 2010 (BWNS) — Seven imprisoned Baha'i leaders appeared in court today in Iran for a second session of their trial.

The session was once again closed, and family members were not permitted in the courtroom, the Baha'i International Community has learned.

The hearing, which lasted just over one hour, does not seem to have gone beyond procedural issues. No date was given for any future sessions.

The seven were arrested nearly two years ago and have been held in Tehran's Evin prison since that time, spending the first year there without formal charges or access to lawyers.

After several postponements, their trial officially began on 12 January, when the seven were arraigned in Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran.

Concern about the fate of Baha'is in Iran intensifies

Toronto, Ontario, 3 February 2010 (CBNS) — Local Baha’i communities across Canada will gather on Sunday 7 February to elect regional delegate(s) to attend the annual Baha'i National Convention in Toronto, in April. While an annual event, this year's election coincides with a more ominous occasion, the second session of the trial in Iran of Baha'is on charges of “propaganda activities against the Islamic order”, the establishment of an “illegal administration”, cooperation with Israel, sending secret documents outside the country, acting against the security of the country, and “corruption on earth”. Baha'i communities throughout the world have grave concern about the fate of their fellow believers in Iran, and will be offering prayers on Sunday for the protection of the entire Baha'i community of Iran.

Date set for next trial session of Baha’is as international outcry puts Iran on trial

After being held more than 20 months in Iran's infamous Evin prison, seven Baha'i prisoners went on trial 12 January.Toronto, Ontario, 20 January 2010 (CBNS) — Iranian authorities have announced that the next trial session of the Baha’i leaders in Iran will be held 7 February. The charges against the seven have been denounced by governments and human rights organizations around the world. They represent an effort to put on trial an entire religious community simply because they hold different religious beliefs than those in power.

World reacts to the trial of the seven Baha'i leaders

The following is from the Baha’i World News Service:

Geneva, 13 January 2010 — Iran's decision to begin the trial yesterday of seven Baha'i leaders has triggered a strong international reaction, including a call by Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi for their immediate release and ultimate acquittal.

Trial of seven Baha'i leaders underway

Toronto, Ontario, 12 January 2010 (CBNS) — The Baha'is of Canada were distressed to learn this morning that the trial of seven Baha'i leaders in Iran has begun in Tehran. The U.S. State Department issued a strong statement condemning the actions of the Iranian government late Monday. This follows a similar statement by Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs on Friday.