(9 Sep 2010 – Radio Free Europe) Ferdosieh Nikoumanesh remembers a time when she and her family couldlive in peace as practicing Baha’is in the Iranian city of Ivel, where more than 50 Baha’i homes…
Memoirs
For my Father
Editor’s Note: The following article was written by the daughter of one of the seven Baha’i prisoners who are former members of the informal committee, set up to loosely manage the affairs of the 300,000-strong…
Justice, not Shame!
Editor’s Note: Dr. Naficy is a well-known Iranian poet, writer, and human rights and political activist. In April of this year, he wrote a brilliant essay, which Iran Press Watch was pleased to share extracts…
Azadi Monument: Architect's daughter shares her story
I am the daughter of Hossein Amanat, the architect of the Freedom Monument [Azadi Tower] in Tehran. I was born in London, England in 1979 right at the beginning of the Iranian Revolution. As such,…
Prayers for Imprisoned Baha'i relatives
Twelve hours of interrogation, 19 days of solitary confinement and almost three years in an Iranian prison. That was Iranian Foad Naeemi’s punishment for teaching the Baha’i Faith, which is viewed as heresy by Iran’s…
Interview with Iranian dissident about working in notorious Evin Prison
The world gasped in horror when it learnt of the execution of an innocent 22-year-old woman, Delara Darabi, on May 1. But Iranians have had to live with these sorts of horrors on an almost…
In Response to Signatories of "We are Ashamed"
Malieh Ahmadi is the mother of Haleh Rouhi – a Baha’i youth who has been imprisoned in Shiraz for the past 19 months for her humanitarian work. I am grateful and thankful! In the name…
What has befallen me?!
Editor’s Note: Fariba Kamalabadi (Taefi) is one of the seven former Baha’i leaders, previously known as the Yaran [“Friends” in Iran]. She has been imprisoned for over a year at the notorious Evin prison in…
24 Years Ago …
Editor’s Note: This is the story of Roofia Shahidi-Asdaghi. Her father, Mr. Ni’matu’llah Katibpur-Shahidi was arrested in Mashahd and transferred to the prison in Kashmar, where he was put to death with a firing squad…
Memories of an Iranian Baha'i: “Bounties Bestowed Upon My Family by the Islamic Regime of Iran”
Editor’s Note: Some time ago, Iran Press Watch invited the site’s readers to share their momories of the last 30 years under the rule of the Islamic regime. One of the readers shared the following. …
A Visit with Sasan Taqva
Editor’s Note: As Iran Press Watch reported earlier (http://www.iranpresswatch.org/2009/05/visit-shiraz/), a description of some recent visits has been received and is shared below in translation. By Shomeys Mohajer The moment of seeing a friend again is…
Remembering Iran’s 1980 National Spiritual Assembly
Following the Islamic revolution in 1979, the Baha’is of Iran, who had long been the victims of periodic outbreaks of violence, the later rounds of which had been instigated by the notorious SAVAK, were subjected…
A Letter from Haleh Houshmandi
Editor’s Note: During the last two months, Iran Press Watch has reported extensively on the ordeals faced by Mrs. Haleh Houshmandi, but was very happy to celebrate her release two days ago. Iran Press Watch…
Minoo Shahriyari: The Story of my Expulsion from University
Editor’s Note: The story of Minoo’s expulsion from Semnan University was previously reported by Iran Press Watch. We’re now pleased to share in translation the following account by her. It should be recalled that Minoo…
A Letter to My Brother Sasan
A Letter to My Brother Sasan
By Roya Taqva
Editor’s Note: In May 2006, a group of over 80 individuals was arrested in and around the city of Shiraz, Iran. They were involved in a teaching program benefitting underprivileged children. The group had been granted permission for their activities by the Islamic authorities of the city. Muslim members of the group were immediately released. However, 54 Baha’is were detained for a few days, and afterwards released on bail. In August 2007, they were tried by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court. They were charged with “offences against state security”. Three of them were sentenced to four years imprisonment for “organizing illegal groups” and “propaganda on behalf of groups that are opposed to the Islamic system”. The other Baha’is in the group received a one year suspended sentence provided that they participated in a three year Islamic indoctrination course.
Below is a summary of a letter written by Roya, the sister of Sasan Taqva, one of the three individuals now serving a four year sentence. Haleh Houshmandi, whose name is mentioned in the letter, is among those with a suspended sentence. On March 15, 2009, while Haleh and her husband were on a trip, their home was raided by officers of the Ministry of Intelligence. She was summoned to appear at a detention facility run by the Ministry of Intelligence upon her return to Shiraz. She has been detained since March 18, (see http://www.iranpresswatch.org/2009/03/arrested-shiraz/). When Babak, her husband, inquired about the charges against Haleh, he was told: “Your wife is a Baha’i and for now that is sufficient reason for her arrest”.
Setting out towards eternity by your hand is preferable!
Editor’s Note: While Iran Press Watch has the strict policy of providing links or sources for all the stories it publishes, we are reluctant to divulge the identity of the author of this report as it will place lives…
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