Situation of Iranian Bahá’ís

Situation of Baha’is in Iran

Media reports

Reports in the news media about the situation of Iranian Baha’is

Le Monde5 February 2010

An open letter signed by 36 French academics calls for the Baha’i leaders in Iran to be freed. “We ask that this systematic ill-treatment, orchestrated by the most radical wing of the clergy and the State ceases, that Iran recognizes freedom of conscience, and that these men and women are released.”

New York Times22 January 2010

For as long as Bahaism has existed, the forebears of Rezvan Tavakkoli have abided by it. And over the generations, since the faith’s origin 166 years ago, Mr. Tavakkoli’s people have paid the price of their devotion.

CBC News, Canada13 January 2010

Oppressive regimes attack human rights on two levels. The most obvious assault, as we have seen in Iran in recent months, aims at suppressing political opponents and protest. But history teaches us that we need to worry about a secondary level of attack as well, the kind that takes place in the shadows.

NRC Handelsblad, Rotterdam, Netherlands13 January 2010

In Teheran, a trial began yesterday against seven members of the Baha'I minority, accused of espionage, activity against national security, and "corruption on earth." The announcement was made by (Iranian) state media.

Iran Press Watch13 January 2010

In an exclusive telephone interview with WashingtonTV on Tuesday, Shirin Ebadi, one of the lawyers defending the seven detained Baha’i leaders in Iran, whose first trial hearing took place today in Tehran, said that if “justice” were to prevail, the only verdict that could be reached over this case was one of “acquittal.”

Seattle Times12 January 2010

Seven members of Iran's Baha'i minority went on trial on Tuesday on charges of spying and acting against the country's national security, state media reported.

Hir TV, Hungary12 January 2010

Interview about human rights violations in Iran on Hungarian national news television.

Washington Post12 January 2010

For now, sending prayers was the best they could do. That was the feeling among 15 members of the Baha'i faith who gathered Monday night in a townhouse off Logan Circle to sing, read poems and pray for seven Baha'is who went on trial Tuesday in Iran for espionage and other crimes against the state.

BBC12 January 2010

Seven members of the Bahai faith have been put on trial in Iran. The defendants face charges of spying for foreigners, cooperating with Israel and "corruption on Earth", a charged which carries the death sentence.

Le Monde, France12 January 2010

The judiciary offensive of the Iranian government against the Baha'i religious commmunity could tighten this week. Two trials, accusing some members of this 300,000-strong community, regularly persecuted by the Iranian authorities in the 19th century, will take place in coming days.

CNN12 January 2010

Seven leaders of Iran's Baha'i minority went on trial in Tehran Tuesday accused of spying for Israel, a charge their supporters say is motivated by religious discrimination. … "We understand that no observers were allowed in the court," said Diane Ala'i, the Baha'i representative to the United Nations in Geneva. …

The Guardian, United Kingdom12 January 2010

Cheri Blair writes: “As the Iranian government struggles to contain growing demands for freedom and democracy from its courageous people, it is flailing around trying to deflect blame for the protests. Foreign media and other countries, including Britain, have been accused of encouraging unrest. But the regime is also worryingly turning on all-too-familiar scapegoats within Iran. …”

The Globe and Mail, Canada11 January 2010

The Islamic Republic of Iran is going to show any wavering authoritarian regime just how it's done. No “colour” revolution will be allowed. No surrender to the street. No departing on a quickly arranged flight to seek refuge, as the Shah did. This regime has no intention of playing “nice” with anyone …

Le Monde, France10 January 2010

I am not a Baha'i. I was unaware that Baha'is even existed! What a strange name, Baha' i… In Iran, Baha' is are persecuted, they are locked up, they are persecuted, their goods are destroyed. But of what crime are they accused? Born in Iran in the 19th century, this religion, built on the succession of Prophets, is based on tolerance and pacifism.

CNN9 January 2010

A trial for seven Iranian Baha'is that has come to symbolize the persecution of followers of the faith is set to unfold next week with added controversy and global attention.

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