Persecution

Geneva, 17 August 2009 (BWNS) — The trial of seven Baha'i leaders imprisoned in Iran has been postponed until 18 October, the Baha'i International Community learned today.

According to Diane Ala'i, the Baha'i International Community representative to the United Nations in Geneva, following a request for postponement of the trial from Mr. Hadi Esmaielzadeh and Ms. Mahnaz Parakand – attorneys from the Defenders of Human Rights Center who are representing the seven Baha'is – the court has decided to delay the hearing for two months.

Toronto, Ontario, 8 March 2009 (CBNS) — Because of its importance and the gravity of the situation facing the Baha'is of Iran, the following letter from the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies in the Baha'i world, dated 6 March 2009, is being posted on this news website of the Baha'i Community of Canada as well as many other Baha'i websites around the world.

Tri-City prayer gatheringToronto, Ontario, 27 February 2009 (CBNS) — The Canadian Parliamentary Sub-Committee on Human Rights has adopted a strongly worded motion demanding the immediate release of the seven Baha’i leaders held now for more than nine months without formal charges and no access to lawyers. The motion was adopted on 24 February; and in a public session on Thursday 26 February, the committee voted to send the motion to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development. Appearing before the committee on Thursday were the Baha’i Community of Canada’s Director of Governmental Relations, Susanne Tamas, and McGill Law Professor, Payam Akhavan.

Geneva, Switzerland, 18 February 2009 — The European Union yesterday issued a statement expressing its “deep concern” over Iran’s plans to bring seven imprisoned Baha'i leaders to trial for espionage and other charges soon. The Bahá’í International Community has called for their immediate release, maintaining their innocence and characterizing the regime’s claims as an “escalation of its systematic crackdown on the Baha’is.”

The EU statement coincided with increasingly sharp anti-Baha'i rhetoric from Iranian officials, who said a trial for the seven might come within a week.

Canadian Communities Gather for Prayer as Concerns Deepen over Fate of Baha'is in Iran

Toronto, Ontario, 17 February 2009 (CBNS) — Baha’i communities across Canada are gathering for prayers this week for the safety of Baha’is in Iran after learning last Wednesday that seven members of the committee that managed the affairs of Iran’s largest religious minority, the Baha’i community, are being brought before the Iranian Revolutionary Court on charges of “espionage for Israel, insulting religious sanctities and propaganda against the system.”